Interesting article in today's Hartford Courant about two area municipalities and their building overhauls for the next generation of libraries.

Yes, in the parlance of Sally Field, Libraries can say "You like me!"  But who is the "you".  Libraries were often started by rich folks like Carnegie.  Shortly thereafter libraries became publicly supported entities, recognizing their benefit to all classes of folk. 

In the last few dozen years, Libraries have been slipping down the ranks of publicly supported priorities forced to go dig up their own resources, especially through private foundations.  Some have done especially good raising millions and keeping alive and even remaking what might otherwise have been albatrosses.

Best thing for everyone or should have gone the way of old public school buildings?  Wining through individual donor votes or should still command a public financial commitment?  These are questions for the future library 'cause once the buildings are refurbished, someone has to pay for the utilities and staff.  Will the someone be the public?