I visit my local library once or twice a week. I wonder what their budget is for paper books, ebooks, building maintenance, librarian salaries and security. We citizens do seem to take libraries for granted. However, I was amazed to see lots of school children make use of the Honolulu libraries.
Nationally, the libraries need endowments, just as concert halls, universities, and museums do. A story from over six years ago describes a janitor who willed a large sum of money to his local library and hospital.
https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/29/jani...n-fortune.html
It may be time for billionaires to step up as donors. Ebooks have revolutionized the proliferation of knowledge. High tech companies owe their livelihood to software and hardware engineers. If a state like Oklahoma can build a world class e-library system, then so can more populous states. Instead of adopting a highway, adopt a library.