Libraries are on the front lines of America's problems

As a not-yet-homeless person, I continue to spend hours every week in libraries, a habit my parents enabled during my childhood. Outside of wild spaces, my house and those of some friends and family, libraries are the most peaceful, safe places I know of, and I would take refuge there as I struggled toward better.

I have been in numerous libraries occupied by patrons who seem like they haven't washed their clothes in weeks. It is only slightly bothersome, because I empathize with them- they are each a fellow human making a life and I try not to assume more than that. I am grateful that public libraries exist, AND we clearly need to make some changes at all levels of government so that libraries are not so overwhelmed.

What are some changes we might make?

Related discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36340548

Certainly feels like a very late-stage-capitalism characteristic.