Libraries aren't just that. There's an intangibles to something's that raise a community.

But if you want to just focus on the space it occupies, I've been to two libraries outside the states and they were all big and beautiful. Stacks of books.

Here's a top list too which I guess would have you say it's a waste. https://www.thebestcolleges.org/amazing-libraries/

But maybe you could share some sources to how other countries are managing library systems? And how that has improved libraries for the people. Rather than us just take your word on it.