The library systems that I've seen that appear to be doing well seem to have latched more onto the "third place" aspects of being a library rather than offering

The library systems that I've seen that appear to be doing well seem to have latched more onto the "third place" aspects of being a library rather than offering books. One new library in a neighboring county offers a mini makerspace, recording studio, a couple internet access labs, open wifi, meeting rooms, quiet reading and study areas, plentiful weekly activities, community events, clubs, and talks. Of course they offer the traditional books, magazines, music, movies, etc. and also have a well supplied e-media offering over the internet. It's also in the middle of a local mixed-use shopping district rather than off in some hinterland and is bustling. In the afternoons on school days the children's and dedicated teen areas are crammed with kids studying. During the workday is full of adults who are "working from home" and want a change of scenery but don't want to pay "coffee rent" at the local Starbucks. It's a great quiet co-working space because you can also walk across the street for lunch, then back to the library to finish the day out. The libraries one county over though, are still basically books, magazines, and reading tables, and while still decently attended, do not provide nearly the public benefit that their neighboring system seems dedicated to offering. The hubbub of people using the public service just isn't there.