Free Town Libraries, their Formation, Management, and History
In Britain, France, Germany, and America

This 1869 history of libraries in Britain and abroad is a testimony to the author's commitment to public education.

Edward Edwards (Author)

9781108009362, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 April 2010

676 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.8 cm, 0.85 kg

An important figure in the establishment of free libraries in the United Kingdom, Edward Edwards (1812–1886) wrote this study, first published in 1869, as a handbook intended for promoters and managers of free town libraries. The book outlines the formation and workings of public libraries, beginning with British examples and proceeding to compare the British experience with libraries abroad, especially in America. Edwards presents strong evidence of the increasing number, and improving management, of libraries at this time, and also stresses the strikingly diverse circumstances under which libraries in the United Kingdom and abroad were established. The volume is an important historical document in library studies, and a testimony to Edwards' commitment and contribution to the free library movement which have been an inspiration to later generations of professional librarians.

Part I. Free Town Libraries, at Home: 1. Free libraries in Great Britain and Ireland
2. Town councils, parochial vestries and other local boards
3. The planning, forming, organizing, and working, of a free town library
4. History of free libraries established in Great Britain
Part II. Free Town Libraries, Abroad: 1. The town, communal, and popular libraries of France
2. The town libraries and popular libraries of Germany
3. Notes on the town libraries of some other continental states
Part III. Free Town Libraries in America: 1. Introductory
2. History of the free town library of Boston
3. Minor town and district libraries of Massachusetts
4. History of the Astor Free Library of the city of New York
5. District, township and other freely accessible libraries in the United States
6. The free libraries of British America
Part IV. Brief Notices of Collectors
Index.

Subject Areas: Publishing industry & book trade [KNTP]