Part of Our Lives: A People's History of the American Public LibraryDespite dire predictions in the late twentieth century that public libraries would not survive the turn of the millennium, their numbers have only increased. Two of three Americans frequent a public library at least once a year, and nearly that many are registered borrowers. Although library authorities have argued that the public library functions primarily as a civic institution necessary for maintaining democracy, generations of library patrons tell a different story. In Part of Our Lives, Wayne A. Wiegand delves into the heart of why Americans love their libraries. The book traces the history of the public library, featuring records and testimonies from as early as 1850. Rather than analyzing the words of library founders and managers, Wiegand listens to the voices of everyday patrons who cherished libraries. Drawing on newspaper articles, memoirs, and biographies, Part of Our Lives paints a clear and engaging picture of Americans who value libraries not only as civic institutions, but also as public places that promote and maintain community. Whether as a public space, a place for accessing information, or a home for reading material that helps patrons make sense of the world around them, the public library has a rich history of meaning for millions of Americans. From colonial times through the recent technological revolution, libraries have continuously adapted to better serve the needs of their communities. Wiegand demonstrates that, although cultural authorities (including some librarians) have often disparaged reading books considered not "serious," the commonplace reading materials users obtained from public libraries have had a transformative effect for many, including people such as Ronald Reagan, Bill Moyers, Edgwina Danticat, Philip Roth, Toni Morrison, Sonia Sotomayor, and Oprah Winfrey. A bold challenge to conventional thinking about the American public library, Part of Our Lives is an insightful look into one of America's most beloved cultural institutions. |
Contents
1 | |
7 | |
The American Public Library 18541876 | 30 |
18761893 | 53 |
The Carnegie Era 18931917 | 75 |
19171929 | 106 |
The Great Depression and World War II 19291945 | 136 |
19451964 | 165 |
Other editions - View all
Part of Our Lives: A People's History of the American Public Library Wayne A. Wiegand Limited preview - 2015 |
Part of Our Lives: A People's History of the American Public Library Wayne A. Wiegand Limited preview - 2015 |
Part of Our Lives: A People's History of the American Public Library Wayne A. Wiegand No preview available - 2017 |
Common terms and phrases
American Library Association American public library Angeles Public Library Annual Report asked Atlanta August authors banned bookmobile Boston Globe Boston Public Library Branch Library Brooklyn Public Library building Bulletin California Carnegie Library Catalog Catholic censorship Chicago Public Library children’s librarians children’s room Cincinnati Daily Gazette circulation citizens City city’s classes Cleveland Public Library Club collections cultural December dime novels exhibit February funds girl History immigrants January June Kansas later lecture librarians Library Bill library books library services library systems library’s literary literature Massachusetts million Nancy Drew neighborhood newspaper noted novels November NYPL Branch Archives NYPL’s October patrons percent Philadelphia Tribune popular Press professional programs protested Public Library director Public Library opened readers reading room September series fiction shelves social libraries teenager tion titles Tribune trustees wanted women World wrote York Public Library youth