Pennsylvania's Role in Shaping American Public Libraries, from Subscription Clubs to Modern Institutions
A historical narrative by a librarian illustrates Pennsylvania's significant role in the evolution of public libraries in the U.S., starting with the Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731, and addressing ongoing challenges. In 2023, the American Library Association celebrates its 150th anniversary, tracing back to its establishment in Philadelphia in 1876, along with Andrew Carnegie's contributions to over 1,600 libraries and Scranton's Henry and Edith Carr's impressive 50-year record with the ALA. The Library Company, initiated by Benjamin Franklin, was the first successful circulating library. Carnegie's donations shifted the funding burden to local entities. Pennsylvania's Act 329 (1931) offered matching library funds, while the federal Library Services Act (1956-1962) aided small communities. The 1961 Act 188 and the 1964 Library Services and Construction Act broadened library services. Presently, issues of censorship and the digital divide remain critical.
Key facts
- The American Library Association was founded in Philadelphia in 1876 and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
- The Library Company of Philadelphia, established in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, was the nation's first successful circulating library.
- Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of more than 1,600 library buildings in the United States.
- Pennsylvania's Act 329 of 1931 provided partial matching funds to counties for library services but excluded Philadelphia and Allegheny counties.
- The federal Library Services Act of 1956-1962 aided libraries in communities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
- Act 188 of 1961 created a state aid program for municipal and county libraries in Pennsylvania.
- The Pennsylvania Library Association found that for every $1 in tax investment, libraries return $5.50 in benefits.
- A November 1969 article by Augusta A. "Gussie" Clark criticized white librarians in Philadelphia for failing Black children.
Entities
Artists
- Benjamin Franklin
- Andrew Carnegie
- Henry Carr
- Edith Carr
- Thomas Struthers
- Augusta A. Clark
- Melvil Dewey
- Augusta Jane Evans-Wilson
- Tom Ridge
- Samantha Hull
Institutions
- American Library Association
- Library Company of Philadelphia
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
- Free Library of Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania Library Association
- EveryLibrary
- State Library of Pennsylvania
- Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library
- Altoona Area Public Library
- Cumberland County Library System
- U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh
- Scranton
- Warren
- Allegheny County
- Montgomery County
- Norristown
- Altoona
- Cumberland County
- Lancaster
- Oakland