Historical Development and the Funding of Libraries for the Public in the United States

Athol Leach; Christine Stilwell

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/12641

Authors

Athol Leach University of KwaZulu-Natal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6198-1047
Christine Stilwell University of KwaZulu-Natal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1372-9576

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/12641

Keywords:

public library history, public library funding, social library, United States

Abstract

To better understand the funding issues confronting public libraries today, this article examines the development of library services for the public in the United States before the emergence of the tax-supported public library in the first half of the 19th century. It follows an earlier article on the development of such services in England. Adopting a historical research methodological approach, it was found that the early types of libraries included the town book collection, the social library and the commercial circulating library, and these are described and discussed. Where possible, funding or financial issues are highlighted. The importance of philanthropic and voluntary support emerged as important factors in the establishment and maintenance of the social library in its various forms. However, it was found that neither type of support was able to sustain the existence of the social library, and this was particularly evident during difficult economic times. With the emergence of the tax-supported public library, the social library slowly declined in importance and, with a few exceptions, eventually disappeared, often being absorbed into the emerging public library system.

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