US cities are amazing for libraries as well. I don't know much about the history of libraries, but it feels as if having a nice library was a prerequisite to being called a town. I'd say even now, having a nice library is a source of pride for towns.
annexrichmond|7 years ago
Gangster 1: "There’s no library in this town. Why is there no library in this town?"
Gangster 2: "Umm... cutbacks?"
Gangster 1: "He thinks every town should have a library."
[1] https://youtu.be/Ck_3QxgO438?t=1m22s