I support public libraries. They create great third spaces, PAY for their books and pay for their staff. They have helped educate the public and increase literacy. I oppose the casualisation of libraries as well. Some places are trying to replace paid staff with volunteers if they are not trying to axe them.

Have libraries done some questionable stuff? Yes. But generally they are good.

My point about writing groups at libraries was that the people who run them get paid anyway. Nothing wrong with that.