Made free and thrown open to the public : community libraries in Pennsylvania from the colonial era through World War II / Bernadette A. Lear.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lear, Bernadette A., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Public libraries--Pennsylvania--History.

Public libraries.

History.

Pennsylvania.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

ix, 340 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Pittsburgh, Pa. : University of Pittsburgh Press, [2021]

Summary:

"Made Free and Thrown Open to the Public charts the history of public libraries and librarianship in Pennsylvania. Based on archival research at more than fifty libraries and historical societies, it describes a long progression from private, subscription-based associations to publicly funded institutions, highlighting the dramatic period during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when libraries were "thrown open" to women, children, and the poor. Made Free explains how Pennsylvania's physical and cultural geography, legal codes, and other unique features influenced the spread and development of libraries across the state. It also highlights Pennsylvania libraries' many contributions to the social fabric, especially during World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Most importantly of all, Made Free convincingly argues that Pennsylvania libraries have made their greatest strides when community activists and librarians, supported with state and local resources, have worked collaboratively"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: One. Libraries from the Colonial Era through the 1880s

Two. From Subscription Libraries to Free Public Institutions

Three. Professionalization

Four. Outreach: General Themes and Urban Contexts

Five. Extension to Suburban and Rural Communities

Six. Responding to National Emergencies.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780822947004

0822947005

OCLC:

1258040459

Publisher Number:

99988377174