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If by "engage in public life" they mean being quiet and not interrupting others' quiet time then sure.
To me it sounds like people want another public space that isn't a library. Once libations enter the picture it also feels like it's not always going to be a safe place.
The forum!
Aren't libraries becoming that place though?
Yes there are books at my library but they only consume about 25% of the floor by my guess.
Another 25% is hosted for weekly groups run by the library. My kids go to "rhyme time" there. They have "device help" sessions for the elderly.
Another 25% is just tables and chairs, with a great view of the main street. It can be sectioned off so you can book a part of it for a community group gathering. Otherwise it's people reading, knitting, doing jigsaws, that stuff.
About 15% is a study area which is accessible to the public during open hours or 24 hours for students. Great view of the park from here.
The remaining 10% is admin stuff. Every library I've been to in West Aus either is, or aspires to be this kind of format. They're not just about books.
I kinda wonder how much time other commenter here have spent at their libraries.
I do spend my time in libraries, thank you very much :) Didn't expect there to be gatekeeping on libraries, but here we are.
And a big part of such activities is either that they're cordoned off and airgapped (and are done on select timings which are telegraphed way ahead of time) or are themselves quiet. Drinking and socialising to me don't come under that same category. I've been to a library next to a board game shop and been struck by the difference in noise level and distraction there, so if it comes down to what the OP is actually suggesting, I'm skeptical it won't intrude on others' needs for a quiet, private place.
That's not gatekeeping. Gatekeeping would be: you guys shouldn't go to libraries because reasons. Im merely expressing an opinion that few people here seem to know what happens in libraries.
Case in point:
[...] a quiet, private place.
This doesn't really describe a library in 2024. I'm sure there are some libraries in which talking and interacting is still discouraged, but that's not the norm in my experience.
Why I think it's gatekeeping:
You're essentially implying people haven't been in libraries by your last sentence if they haven't seen what you've seen. That's gatekeeping, like it or not.
EDIT: In case it isn't clear, what you said was essentially:
"You're not a library-goer because [reasons]."
That's gatekeeping, my person.
Nonsense. Lets not co-opt "gatekeeping" to cover any sort of attitude we find distasteful, shall we?
Looking at a bunch of definitions of gatekeeping the closest I can find is this:
gatekeeping refers to the actions of individuals or groups who try to define what is and isn't acceptable within a particular community and determine who is and isn't allowed to participate.
My assertion:
I kinda wonder how much time other commenter here have spent at their libraries.
You really can't co-opt that into the definition of gatekeeping.
You're the one who's disqualifying people from saying what libraries look like because they don't share your common experience. Have a little self-awareness.
I think libraries vary a lot. Your library sounds lovely. My local ones are half way between what you are describing and the quieter places others are describing. But they are actively trying to be a third place.
I think your point is "some libraries are third places". And that point would hit harder if you gave folks grace. Don't assume they are speaking from ignorance but invite them to check out libraries if they haven't. I dunno.