The population of the entire country of Norway (less than 5.5 million) is less than NYC (8.4 million), allowing for greater oversight of resources and focus on what these resources can do. First off, have a lot of resources. Following the insight of someone who has been to Norway; (1) their libraries focus on the community and this is first highlighted in their listed priorities (2):
To argue and emphasize the importance of libraries in the democratic process and promote freedom of information and speech
To ensure the principle of the free lending right, independent of technological and political changes in society
To develop and strengthen libraries as promoters of knowledge, information and culture
To develop and strengthen libraries in building and supporting education, and as an arena for learning, research and innovation.
To promote an effective and robust library service of high quality.
To ensure development and innovation in the Norwegian library sector, amongst others promoting the realisation of a Norwegian digital library
To build alliances and co-operate with relevant national and international organisations within the fields of research, education and culture.
Their priorities are noted by strong examples of free access. While they close like all libraries, there are over 800 public libraries; therefore a minimum of one library per every 6,875 people. While that would be a lot of people to all be in one library at once, that is easily one library per small town not including University libraries that are open to the public. This access is increased as one library card gets you access to any and every library in the country including mobile libraries that increase access to those far away.
As of April 2019, the US is the highest GDP in the world, account for 23.6% of the global economy. Taking away the other top 9, the rest of the world still makes up less as 21.2% (3). While both countries have overall well educated and successful; Norway is getting a lot more bang for their buck and has tried to make sure all members of their country and communities are succeeding and have access to opportunities.
(1) https://www.lifeinnorway.net/libraries-in-norway/
(2) https://norskbibliotekforening.no/om-foreningen/about-norwegian-library-association/
(3) https://www.investopedia.com/insights/worlds-top-economies/