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Even the small libraries are great because of intra-library lending. There's a robust network of libraries across the nation that lets you get almost any book you'd like. In most states the public university system is also part of the lending network and any library in the state can get books from there.

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I belong to a library system with two branches, that are relatively large and well funded, but I can also walk into a branch in several other town libraries and get a card due to library agreements.

I can also get a special card good at any library in my state, for a fee.

My parents live in an area that isn't serviced by a local library, but can buy into a nearby library. Although no library is usually indicative of an area that isn't worth living in and doesn't fund schools well, IMHO.

I heartily agree - with one caveat, it's generally not possible to make an ILL request for a title published in the current calendar year (even if you're making a request in December for a book published in January - though at least you only have to wait a month). I think this is to give the patrons of the library which holds a book the first chance to read it, but it's a crude implement.

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