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I think libraries are important. I've always been a reader. But while in school, I didn't buy books, I got them from the library. I didn't start buying books until I started working. I really feel that if it weren't for the library, I wouldn't have become a reader.
My parents worked and didn't take me to the library. I walked or rode my bike. I don't think that's an option these days. My local library is in an area without sidewalks or bike lanes. Getting there for most would involve crossing roads and streets where walking or riding a bike would not be safe or practical.
Ebooks make the library more accessible. It encourages reading. Once people get in the habit of reading again, they'll start buying books. There's still enough friction with getting ebooks from the library, especially if they lower prices and get rid of DRM.
I admit that I've bought less books since I started getting ebooks from the library, but it was higher prices that sent me there. Keeping out new books won't stop me from using the library or make me start buying again. It will just mean that I start reading older books that the library already has, and I will continue to wait for bargains, or try self-published books. And if I really must have that best seller, I'll buy a used copy.
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