Hacker News Reader

Comment by lovich | Hacker News Reader

Are public libraries not readily accessible to everyone? I thought that was one of the few government services still running fairly well.

Every town I’ve lived in has had at least one well run library if not a network

View on HN

I haven't gotten a library card in a long time, but I think you need proof of a permanent address in the same jurisdiction that funds the library, so if you're homeless, you can't use it (though homeless often use libraries to sleep and wash in, even if they can't use the actual library services).

No library I've ever been in has required anything for someone to walk in and read or use the computers.

My local library requires a card to use the computers, with the exception of the ones to search the database and one public machine.

That being said, the librarian's there are quite helpful to those who need assistance with anything like that - going ao far as to ait with people and help them navigate it.

I live centrally, in my town. The nearest library is an hour walk. The bus would be at least 30 minutes. I'd have to know beforehand that I need to reserve a computer before using it, and that spots fill up quick. I'd need to get a library card to reserve the computer, which I need to do in person. I'd need the bus schedules, and presumably my device might not be capable of accessing that or I might not be knowledgeable enough. I'd need to have cash on hand to pay the bus fare, so I'd need to find an ATM or convenience store that offers cashback.

This labyrinthian effort is basically what being a poor person is like, on a daily basis.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com