The practice of lending books from public libraries dates back centuries.
In the late 15th century, the first public library was established in Louvain, Belgium. This library was created to serve the needs of the university students and faculty. The first public library in the United States was established in 1653 in Boston, Massachusetts. This library was created to serve the public and was funded by the city.
In the 18th century, public libraries began to become more widespread in the United States. The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, was the first subscription library in the U.S. Subscription libraries were supported by members who paid an annual fee and were allowed to borrow books.
In the 19th century, public libraries were established in many states. In 1833, the first public library in Massachusetts was founded, and the first public library in Wisconsin was founded in 1847. These libraries were funded by state and local governments and allowed anyone to borrow books for free.
In the 20th century, public libraries became more common and began to offer a wider range of services. Many libraries began to offer services such as computer access, classes, and book clubs.
Today, public libraries are an integral part of many communities. They provide access to books, magazines, newspapers, audio recordings, and more. They also offer Internet access, classes, and other services. Public libraries are important institutions that provide resources to all members of their community.
