Library Lines

Library Lines

Books were not always plentiful in this Country. In Colonial days many homes were without books of any kind. The only reading matter available to most country folk was the Farmers Almanac. As the Country grew books wepe brought in by many families of means, but these were considered most precious items and the head of the house was the only one allowed to handle them. He usually did the reading to'the family around the fireplace in the evenings. As time passed more families got more books and a feeling of sharing began to develop. About 1700 Rev. Dr. Thomas Bray of Maryland in order to make his Ministers as well as his parishioners more literatq established Church Libraries in thirty of his parishes. These were perhaps the first public type libraries in the Colonies. The first non-church library probably should be attributed to Benjamin F ranklin who some, thirty five years later formed the Philadelphia Library Company. This was a plan by which anyone who had a few pennies could join and rent books. Many families poa sessing books would lend or give their books to the Company. But the important thing that came out of Franklin's plan was that a system of lending rare and important books to anyone able to read and pay the small fees was to become the pattern "for the next hundred years. Library Companies sprang up all over America some under general patronage some under Church, and many under school sponsorship. In Alexandria there was such a Library which was established in 1794. It was a subscription type where members enrolled for a fee. On the early lists of subscribers were illustrate names like Washington, Dr. Dick, Fitzgerald, Aide to Gen. Washington, Stabler and many others. The Alexandria Library Company sought public participation as is indicated in this interesting request made in the Gazette of j 1797: “Desirous of pfo^noting | the influence which tWdy* conceive eminently calculated to diffuse useful knowledge, establish the morals of the calculated to diffuse useful knowledge, establish the morals of the rising generation and afford rational entertainment for a vacant hour, earnestly recommend it to the attention and support of their fellow citizens. The utility of a public circulating library is too obvious to need arguments to demonstrate it. The friends of literature, and refinement of manners, will, no doubt duly appreciate its value and interest themselves in its advancement".

Interesting enough is the fact that this very Library Company was revived in 1957 with many of the Company's original books still available for research. The Company has also revived the early custom of holding lectures and discussions. This pleasant practice we hope to adopt soon in our Library. The New England States also made great strides in circulating the scarce commodity of j 9