“What if we took a place known for being quiet and made it loud?”

and we’ve circled back to the missing third place – libraries as community centers, family friendly pubs and bars, coffee shops that don’t require buying half the menu to just hang out, walkable (and bikable) cities where people can go for an evening stroll without being afraid of being run over …

Libraries would need more funding to operate extended hours...

Then people would complain about gov't spending and taxes. Then we would privatize the libraries

This is why we cant have nice things

No citizen, third places are not allowed except for church, mother says so. Now back to your depression cave! You need to be at work on time or we’ll confiscate it!

In Brussels there is a library that’s “open” as late as 22:00. There’s an after hours program where you register for after hours access, sign an agreement, and your library card can be used to unlock the door. Staff is gone during off hours but cameras are on. Members are not allowed to enter with non-members (can’t let anyone tailgate you incl. your friends).

This is the utopia, but unfortunately, delinquents and no-good doers will harass the people in late night libraries and cafes. There is a cafe in my hometown that used to run 24/7 but anti-social behaviour made them close much earlier. Granted it has been an issue before, but the pandemic solidified the decision to no longer serve 24/7, especially with people no longer spending much time outside of their home any longer than it used to be.

If by "engage in public life" they mean being quiet and not interrupting others' quiet time then sure.

To me it sounds like people want another public space that isn't a library. Once libations enter the picture it also feels like it's not always going to be a safe place.

This sounds cool as fuck. There would be literal book clubs hanging out at night. People are so overworked that most don't even socialize properly these days. Hanging out with folks to gush over that one series all of them enjoyed, without damaging your health or risking anyone else's. But we get this instead...

How about coffee shops with e-readers built into the tables preloaded with an enormous collection of books?

When I was in university the library was open 24/7

It was just the restricted areas that you couldn’t go to at night and those were appointment only anyway

I don't understand what is funny here. Many university librairies are open until 9 p.m and there is still people at the closing that would stay later. If every librairie were open until 10 p.m or midnight, you can be sure that some people would make use of it.

Just be open evenings. I want to go, but I work full time and weekends are a whirlwind of kids and domestic stuff.

This isn't the purpose of libraries. However, having car free streets and squares and parks with lights would be better choices.