| BIBLIOGRAPHY |
Includes bibliographcal references (pages [273]-310) and index. |
| Summary |
"Despite 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 social spaces for promoting and maintaining community."-- Provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
Public libraries -- United States -- History.
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Libraries -- United States -- Public opinion -- History.
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Public opinion -- United States -- History.
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Library users -- United States -- Attitudes -- History.
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Public libraries -- Social aspects -- United States -- History.
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Libraries and community -- United States -- History.
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Libraries and society -- United States -- History.
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Books and reading -- United States -- History.
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| Other title |
People's history of the American public library. |
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American public library. |
| ISBN |
9780190248000
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0190248009
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