The Apprentices' Library of Philadelphia.
Research and assistance by John Holberg.
The definitive source for the history of the Apprentices' Library is (unsurprisingly) History of the Apprentices' Library of Philadelphia, 1820-1920: The Oldest Free Circulating Library in America , by John Frederick Lewis (Philadelphia, 1924). The following account is drawn from there.
The Apprentices' Library of Philadelphia, the oldest free circulating library in America, had its origin in a conversation between Daniel B. Smith (an apothecary), Samuel L Shober (a boot and shoe manufacturer), and Thomas Kimber (who among other things was a Controller of the Public Schools) in 1820. After this meeting the three gentlemen, along with others continued to develop the projected formation of the Apprentices' Library through further discussions and through organized meetings to "deliberate upon the propriety of forming a company"(page 2.) One of the fundamental considerations in forming such a company was the belief "that many benefits would arise from the establishment of a Library of suitable books for the use of apprentices" (page 5.) Among the benefits of the library that the company's constitution cited were
...that it would promote orderly and virtuous habits; diffuse knowledge and a desire for knowledge; improve the scientific skill of our Mechanics and Manufacturers; increase the benefits of the system of general Education which is now adopted; and advance the prosperity and happiness of the community (page 5.)Notice the order of importance above- the "virtuous habits" argument is one that is frequently used in favor of establishing libraries. Those familiar with the writings of Antonio Gramsci might look at it with a somewhat jaundiced eye.
Toward the ends mentioned above, "it was agreed to form a Society for the purpose of establishing a Library for the free use of apprentices" (page 4.) By a special Act of the Legislature "The Apprentices' Library Company of Philadelphia" was constituted as a body political and corporate on the second of April 1820. The initial collection consisted of about one hundred purchased volumes and of about two hundred and fifty volumes belonging to the Adelphi School and deposited to the Apprentices' Library by the Philadelphia Association of Friends for the Instruction of Poor Children.
The library was housed in the old U.S. Mint building for some time. They moved the collection to the building below in 1841 (free of rent, we have to add.) Prior to housing the Apprentices' Library it had been the Free Quaker Meeting House.
In 1875, the Report (page 973) offers the following description :
This is a free library, founded in 1820, and containing about 21,000 volumes. It is used by 2,000 boys and girls. Persons over twenty-one make a deposit of $2. The library increases at the rate of about 1,000 volumes a year. It is supported by voluntary contributions.Later the rent-free arrangement created a certain amount of tension and litigation ensued. The library moved to new quarters 1897. The building reverted to its original status as a Quaker Meeting House, a function it performs to this day.
The chief source for all this information was published in 1920 at which time the library was still going strong. If anyone knows the end of the story, please email me.
The Apprentices' Library of Philadelphia, 1841-1896
