Quote:
Originally Posted by Kumabjorn
I'm a little fascinated about the obsession you show about opening hours. My library, in a very small town (pop. <6.000) is open 24/7. We use our library card to gain access when it isn't staffed. That way they know who is there and when. You can check out books on your own, sit and read, make copies, use the bathroom fascilities if so inclined. Maybe something to discuss with your local librarian?
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My city has a population of almost 400000 people. My district (or at least, my zip code) has over fifty thousand.
With only 6000 people nearby, a library might be willing to take the risk of theft or damage, knowing that if either happened, they'd be likely to be able to track the culprit. With 50k nearby and a connection to a rail system with access to about a million more within half an hour's travel--the person whose card opened the door may not be the one who caused any problems. Certainly, it wouldn't be reasonable to hold a person liable if they were forced to open the door.
And while "raid the library" is not a common activity of Oakland street gangs, part of that is the lack of ability. If all it took was a card to get in when the library's unattended, the shelves would be bare. Or at the very least, the floors would be covered with homeless people.