An LIU Post economics professor’s recent op-ed stirred emotions online when he called libraries a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.

Panos Mourdoukoutas, Ph.D. wrote the piece for Forbes.com, and made the case that “Amazon should replace local libraries. The move would save taxpayers money and enhance the stockholder value of Amazon all in one fell swoop.”

Backlash from the article prompted Forbes to pull the story from their website.

Commenters said the professor had a lack of understanding about what libraries provide for the community, including free educational classes and loanable electronics.

Advocates say libraries are evolving into full-service community centers.

“The days of the library, of just coming in to get a book...those days are over," said Tony Iovino, of the Oceanside Library. "What's happening here is exciting. We have about 3,500 people a month coming here just for programs."

News 12’s calls to the professor have not been returned.