"This book investigates the relationship between local libraries and community development, from the historical roots of rural libraries to their influence on the literacy, economy, and culture of the surrounding region"--Provided by publisher.

The period 1870-1930 witnessed the emergence of the local public library as a widespread and enduring American institution. During these years, access to free community-based library services spread to a much larger share of the U.S. population, while the institutional structure of local...

The period 1870-1930 witnessed the emergence of the local public library as a widespread and enduring American institution. In this paper we document the expansion of public libraries in the United States over these years, using data drawn from library surveys conducted by the federal Bureau of...