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If public libraries didn’t already exist, it would be impossible to create them now. Huge amounts of money would be poured into opposing such an anti capitalis

If public libraries didn’t already exist, it would be impossible to create them now. Huge amounts of money would be poured into opposing such an anti capitalist idea. The Overton window has shifted way to the right when it comes to creating common spaces or public resources. The mantra today is enclose and privatize, monopolize and monetize.

caymanjim 5y ago
Public libraries in the US were primarily created due to funding from Andrew Carnegie, after he got filthy rich off steel. Whether out of pure altruism, or to assuage his guilt at getting so rich through cutthroat business dealings, or as a PR campaign, it was capitalism that created the modern library system. Just like what our contemporary billionaires do once they're filthy rich (Gates, Zuckerberg, etc.).
- acdha 5y ago
  You could say that Carnegie substantially expanded the number of public libraries but it sounds odd to say “created” about something with centuries of precedent just in North America. The key thing about the Carnegie libraries was that they were donations of the buildings but the local governments committed to maintenance, staffing, and operations. It’s true that the initial money came from a wealthy capitalist but that didn’t come with continued control or the expectation that the service be run at a profit, which seems relatively significant as a difference compared to a for-profit company operating library services.
  - caymanjim 5y ago
    I'm not arguing in favor of privatizing libraries. Carnegie really is the single most important source of the US public library system, funding thousands of them across the country, with the modern equivalent of billions of dollars. He didn't invent the concept of public libraries, but it's not a stretch to say that he founded the modern US public library system. Edit: I'm countering GP's claim that capitalism would prevent libraries from appearing today. There are plenty of privately-funded public-benefit institutions now, like the Gates Foundation and others, doing things that governments arguably ought to be doing but aren't.
t0suj4 5y ago
I disagree, what prevents you from buying a property and filling it with books?
- jfk13 5y ago
  Surely that would be a private library. Even if you invite the public to use it at no charge.
  - t0suj4 5y ago
    If you want the service this is the only way forward I think.

caymanjim 5y ago

Public libraries in the US were primarily created due to funding from Andrew Carnegie, after he got filthy rich off steel. Whether out of pure altruism, or to assuage his guilt at getting so rich through cutthroat business dealings, or as a PR campaign, it was capitalism that created the modern library system. Just like what our contemporary billionaires do once they're filthy rich (Gates, Zuckerberg, etc.).

acdha 5y ago
You could say that Carnegie substantially expanded the number of public libraries but it sounds odd to say “created” about something with centuries of precedent just in North America. The key thing about the Carnegie libraries was that they were donations of the buildings but the local governments committed to maintenance, staffing, and operations. It’s true that the initial money came from a wealthy capitalist but that didn’t come with continued control or the expectation that the service be run at a profit, which seems relatively significant as a difference compared to a for-profit company operating library services.
- caymanjim 5y ago
  I'm not arguing in favor of privatizing libraries. Carnegie really is the single most important source of the US public library system, funding thousands of them across the country, with the modern equivalent of billions of dollars. He didn't invent the concept of public libraries, but it's not a stretch to say that he founded the modern US public library system. Edit: I'm countering GP's claim that capitalism would prevent libraries from appearing today. There are plenty of privately-funded public-benefit institutions now, like the Gates Foundation and others, doing things that governments arguably ought to be doing but aren't.

t0suj4 5y ago

I disagree, what prevents you from buying a property and filling it with books?

jfk13 5y ago
Surely that would be a private library. Even if you invite the public to use it at no charge.
- t0suj4 5y ago
  If you want the service this is the only way forward I think.