The article was only discussing the United States and made no mention of a global project. However, if the numbers work, the world population is going to 9 billion by 2050, so we’ll need a lot of libraries.
If 320 million Americans can’t fund libraries, I’m sure several billion others are in great need.
[Update]
The author is not talking about a global project.
“Hidden in plain sight, the local libraries of America are patiently waiting for your attention”