Not the op - but I usually feel happier leaving my laptop and stuff when i go grab a coffee/lunch/toilet break in a co-working space, over a public library.
I LOVE public libraries, but not always set up for working comfortably, especially if I need to take a call, or want to do some whiteboarding.
And lastly, paying for something sometimes makes my appreciate it more - I've paid for this space so I WILL WORK.
Be wary of coworking spaces. I had a brand new MacBook stolen from a private office space I was using at Spaces San Jose. Not only were they unhelpful to the point of being combative, but one of the people in an adjacent office said it happens all the time and carry their laptop to lunch with them.
Anecdotal for sure, but it changed the way I look at coworking spaces.
I do this, it’s generally a great option. Decent internet and quiet - I’m blessed to have few calls, so that’s all I need. Parking is usually easy and it’s not hard to find a chair+desk+power in the same place. (Pro tip - hotel lobbies can be good too, every hotel has a nice seating area that’s unused outside of 6-9am)
Lately though I’ve noticed a trend with libraries becoming… scarier? Even in seemingly wealthy, clean, safe areas, there’s a ~20yo pacing around very… agitated? Drugs, lack of drugs, bad day perhaps - not sure - not my specialty. My conscious brain was saying “it’s fine, you’re in a well-lit public area”
My less conscious brain eventually forced me to move to a spot against a wall, where everything was happening in at-least-peripheral vision.
I like both, but in my experience things like snacks, drinks, whiteboarding, and video calls are easier to pull off in a coworking space. Many times in libraries these are difficult, or at least higher friction
