Here’s a lovely list of things that public libraries are for via Brian Gambles, who is Project Director of the new Library of Birmingham (the largest library in Europe).

Place making
Knowledge growth and transfer
Showcasing culture and learning
Celebrating creativity and innovation
Encouraging exploration and discovery
Working collaboratively and co-productively
Community engagement and empowerment

BTW, if you ever find yourself standing in front of 100+ library people in a conference don’t change your title slide at the very last minute so it reads: “A Benefits Office with Books?” Oh yes I did. It was meant to provoke but went too far.