Libraries are dying – but it’s not about the books | Simon Jenkins

The internet stole the monopoly on knowledge but it can’t recreate a sense of place. Revival is possible

Public libraries have had another bad year. They are like churches and local railways. People like having them around, and are angry if they close. But as for using them, well, there is so little time these days.

The latest Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy figures on library closures are dire. In the past five years 343 have gone. Librarian numbers are down by a quarter,...