Many local governments in the united States operate public libraries that provide books, reference materials, Internet access, public meeting space, genealogical assistance, and other information/education services at no charge. Are the services of these local libraries pure public goods? What government functions are they seeking to serve? What privatization options might be possible? What services should be free and what could be subject were made available only on a charge basis? Would your reaction be different if charging for services were the only alternatives that allowed the library to remain open?