Yet, according to the authors of the Patriot Act, libraries are caves were terrorists abide. Which makes sense, because their worst enemy is informed dissent as opposed to manufactured consent.

I agree with everything you said above, but apart from the pursuit of knowledge, libraries are instrumental in the maintaining of a democratic society. Incidentally, it is conformity in ignorance, not bearded Muslims in caves half way across the world, that is undermining our democracy and cherished freedoms.

In a democratic society, knowledge isn't just power, attaining it is moral (and willful ignorance is immoral).