It's an interesting cultural hub the ol public library. Not that at any stage does it feel 'cultured', rather the mish-mash of cultural phlegm that mingles there.
The public library acts as a drop-in centre against the elements, air con in summer and heating in winter. It's for people who come in for a chat, and then do the rounds of other hapless conversation victims (ie. anyone stuck behind a desk in customer service). Escaped loonies, conspiracy theorists, armchair politicians, intellectual wannabees. All provide equal measure of entertainment and occasionally, mild panic.
They are magnets for every tightarse under the sun, wanting everything for free (cos it is), demanding service and then being uppity about paying a $1.20 late fine. This free element does attract another crowd, who smell like bins, fish guts or week old sex. Drifters from interstate, stinky backpackers, ferals who demand service cos they fink we're part of the guv'nmint.
These institutions (every town should have one) try to connect the community but really only reach out to those listed above. Each community focused group session (course etc) will have a smattering of people usually led by a bossy resident who seems kinda miffed that they're only (again) dealing with the above.
Babies crying, parent's telling their kids what they do and don't like to read, young couples trying to get busy in darkened corners, the regular who complains every time he comes in but continues returning years on end... ahhh, the culture!
9 copies of the Da Vinci Code and old cds of IceHouse. Can't beat it.
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