Libraries as Government

I'm still reading, but I came across the section in which McCook reminds readers that libraries are government entities and that they should work from this angle, using that connection to get that 'place at the table'. I'm wondering what the implications and ramifications of this might be. It seems that, although libraries are publicly funded entities - and thus part of the govt. project - that libraries hide this affiliation (at least, somewhat) to make themselves inviting places for all people. What happens when the library, as government entity, takes a more forceful and vocal role?