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Originally Posted by pwalker8
Just because the government dispenses charity, doesn't mean it isn't charity. In the US, things like schools and libraries are provided without charge typically by the community as a whole. Charity is defined as voluntarily giving to those in need. Libraries fit that definition. While many soup kitchens are run out of churches and the like, most get at least some aid from the various governments.
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Libraries are absolutely not charities. i'm not sure where you came across your definitiion of charity in your earlier post or in fact whether you made it up.
Charity Definition
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1. An organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need
2. The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.
3. Help or money given to those in need.
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The common factor in all of these is "need". As I'm sure you are aware, libraries cater for a diversity of people. Some are no doubt in need. And others are not. Libraries are not charities supporting the needy. They are organisation providing services to their communities, and are very much part of those communities. Like public schools, need has nothing to do with it. Schools, libraries and many other things are part of the infrastructure provided to members of a civilised society. They benefit the society as a whole and its members, including both needy and comfortable. And, as Meeera said, they are far more than just a collection of books. I would add that this has never been truer, as many libraries have diversified extensively in modern times as a response to technology.