[footy]

I spent a lot of time in Latin America growing up, including in parts that didn't have public libraries. Your comment is shocking to me, I guess I just assumed most developed countries has libraries that function in similar ways. Wikipedia says there are about 600 libraries in the Netherlands, do you not get to borrow books for free?

They're integral to the fabric of society in my view.

[retired]

I looked it up and it will cost you €66 per year for unlimited book lending, e-books, audio books and magazines.

For low-income families and people up to 25 years old this drops to €48 per year.

[usui]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I never knew there were libraries with a subscription model. Hopefully that means the catalogues are really good and well-taken care of.