Oh well, that is sad. Toronto Public Library's online services are still down since at least a month.
It's awful. TPL is one of the best library networks in North America, providing a vast array of valuable services to the people of Toronto.
It should be considered an essential service given how many underprivileged people depend on its services.
I'd argue that this is how libraries get into this mess. Instead of specializing, they adopt a scattershot approach to services, many of which aren't even related to taking care of library materials. Flashy pet projects get prioritized while less interesting things like books or computer systems languish.
Out of all of that, only the first should be provided by a library - the rest should be a core function of any civilized government to provide in dedicated, actually properly equipped facilities. Librarians are not social workers, and they shouldn't have to be forced into that role that they've never been adequately trained nor equipped for. And libraries shouldn't be places where those in need of their actual services are afraid to go to, because they don't want to get harassed by homeless and drug users.
And yet, I shudder even thinking about how the situation would look like if the many librarians and other adjacent staff would not have stepped up to the multiple crises of completely dysfunctional local governments and widespread poverty.
[1] https://www.governing.com/now/public-libraries-step-up-to-he...
[2] https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Library/Library-New...
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/libraries-becoming-popular-plac...