Bing Thom

Three years ago I was assigned to look into the state of public libraries in Canada and was delighted, and I admit a touch surprised, to find many reasons to be optimistic. One bit of good news was Calgary city council’s decision to set aside serious money (the budget has since grown to $245 million) for a new central library.

Canadians apparently. Far from being under siege (except in Toronto), they’re thriving—and experimenting.