[MargaretR]

I have a bookcase full of non fiction reference books which I no longer read.
They are mainly ancient history and have been rendered unreliable by archeology done since they were published.
The internet provides a more up to date source of info on any topic,
so it is reasonable for libraries to withdraw books which give antiquated info.
Local history is not widely available on the web (yet) so you friend is right to try to preseve that.