They [B&N] are not a library but a business.

B&N is a very successful business. When they think the 'library'
chairs are losing them money, the chairs will be removed.

The chairs and atmosphere are so you can SAMPLE the reading
material not spend the day reading.

I *sampled* QST and *bought* another magazine or book. The bottom line
$$ for B&N was the same or more. Your tears are for the wrong entity.
B&N made money because I was drawn to their 'free sample' QST
magazine. QST is the one who lost money, but then that's what voting
with your wallet is all about...

Perhaps it is your hope that Amateur Radio not be represented or supported?
Perhaps only by the FCC?

I support ARRL because without them we would have been squeezed off the air
a long time ago. The ARRL is full of imperfect people though, and we need
to help out rather than throw monkey wrenches. I don't base my support on
freebies. Germany went fascist for the perks and went to hell over it.