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Everything about Subscription Library totally explained

A Subscription Library (also membership or independent library) is a library that's supported by private funds raised by membership fees or endowments. Unlike a public library, access is often restricted to those who are members, or who can provide evidence that they must consult the library's collections for advanced study or research. In the United States the earliest such libraries date back to the 18th century, when societies or groups of individuals joined to purchase books for a commonly run library. The Library Company of Philadelphia was the first of these libraries, started in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin.
   With the advent of free public libraries in the 19th century most of the subscription libraries were replaced or taken over.

Current membership libraries

United Kingdom

United States of America

  • 1731: Library Company of Philadelphia
  • 1747: Redwood Library and Athenaeum
  • 1748: Charleston Library Society
  • 1753: Providence Athenaeum
  • 1754: New York Society Library
  • 1807: Boston Athenaeum
  • 1810: Salem Athenaeum
  • 1814: Athenaeum of Philadelphia
  • 1817: Portsmouth Athenaeum
  • 1820: General Society Library of New York City
  • 1820: Maine Charitable Mechanic Association Library of Portland
  • 1820: Mercantile Library of New York City
  • 1826: Institute Library of New Haven
  • 1835: Mercantile Library of Cincinnati
  • 1836: Providence Athenaeum
  • 1846: St. Louis Mercantile Library Association
  • 1855: Mechanics' Institute Library of San Francisco
  • 1890: Lanier Library of North Carolina
  • 1899: Athenaeum Music and Arts Library in La JollaFurther Information

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