City Snap Shot: Free Library?

Friday, April 13, 2007

Can anyone tell me why some it says "Free Public Library"? I always thought all Public Libraries were free... Hence the word "public".

Kate said...: I don't know the background of the wording, but I do know that we all owe Carnegie a huge debt because of his philanthropy and the donations for community libraries. Too many countries do not have these places for their citizens. It's a huge beautiful structure!; April 14, 2007 at 8:34 a.m.
Ham said...: Originally most public libraries were subscription - you paid to belong and you paid to borrow. It was the great philanthropists of the 19th century that pioneered the free public library. Carnegie was one such Wikipedia has some background, and I'll do a photo soon ;-); April 14, 2007 at 5:01 p.m.
Olive said...: Wow, thanks Ham! I had no idea!
Kate, is this the same Carnegie of Carnegie Hall?
It really is a wonderful building; it has a great presence. I love libraries! I have pictures from a lot of different ones from around the world, I don't think I could ever live in a city without a library...
I'm sure many are dead now, but Thank you to all the people who have created "Free" Public Libraries around the world!; April 14, 2007 at 5:21 p.m.
Meg said...: Or is it Carnegie-free, funded by someone else? No disrespect intended.; April 14, 2007 at 5:48 p.m.
Kala said...: good question - I wonder if Free is Carnegies last name =)
I love to visit libraries - this one looks very nice; April 15, 2007 at 3:29 a.m.