“People can go to the library if they just want free internet access.”
Just who do you think pays for the internet service that is provided “free” at the library?
Hint: It’s NOT the library.
Clearly, and I understand your point. I was just trying to say that for a private business to charge for internet access and limit the amount of time someone ‘hangs out’ without purchasing anything is legitimate to me. Whether you agree or disagree with the concept of a publicly funded library, the fact is that they exist, and they are not private businesses.
Actually, I wonder what is going to happen to libraries as the printed word becomes more and more digital. For a library to have one or two copies of a particular book, and lend it out free of charge, is not a threat to booksellers. On the other hand, there's no way libraries can obtain digital copies of a book etc. and make them available online for free. No one would buy books (or online access to them) anymore.