Thread

1. itake · 1789919545 · focus · HN ↗

   Singapore libraries are really annoying for foreigners because they don’t let you use the WiFi.

   Thailand at least gives you a 1 hour pass.

   Not that anyone asked but my ranking of public libraries in Asia

   1/ Taiwan

   2/ HK

   3/ Thailand

   4/ Laos (private libraries are cute, but hot…)

   4/ Vietnam (Bring your passport!)

   5/ Singapore

   I haven’t been to a library in Japan or S Korea. I tried working from a community center in Japan but I couldn’t figure how it works.

   1. Markoff · 1789977151 · focus · HN ↗

      Why should library let ANYONE use the Wi-Fi? I am probabky old school when I think people go to library to rent the books and that should be the main purpose of the library, not provide some free co-working space for cheapskates.

      Sadly Prague libraries provide free Wi-Fi which is at least in one branch I frequent abused by loud kids playing videogames on their phones.

      1. awad · 1790016252 · focus · HN ↗

         The ultimate purpose of a library should be to help with access to knowledge and information for all. In 2026, it's not unreasonable to think that includes internet access, eBooks, perhaps even desktop computers for those who don't have their own.

         1. Markoff · 1790052750 · focus · HN ↗

            you don't need library for that, if you have laptop or at least smartphone which most of the people have, free wifi is everywhere (and certainly more frequent than libraries) and then you can access whatever information/ebooks you want

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