Boston Public Library Analysis

I chose the article “Contemporary Forces the Supported the Founding of the Boston Public Library.” about the founding of the Boston Public Library. I thought the title was interesting because it discussed the contemporary issue of the time period where the public library was developed. The Boston area enjoyed great population and wealth due to its site and economy. The economy allowed of the state of Massachusetts allowed the commonwealth to issue a low that made it mandatory for an area that had 50 or more families to have schools. The economy also allowed the self-image of Boston to be high. The higher school rates because of the economy allowed Boston to have higher literacy rates than other cities in the state. Boston would become larger than both Lowell and Salem combined by 1850. The Boston area was also able to get books from anywhere in the world due to it being a transportation hub, it also had its own publisher for local authors. Many people influenced the government to help …show more content…
I believe the three conditions of Ticknor are still a part of most public libraries. Most public libraries are publicly funded, open to all town residents, and have free circulating books. During Ticknor’s time, the free circulating books wasn’t popular, but it certainly changed how libraries operated. It went from people having to read the books there to taking home the books to read. I feel that the library is still being used as a place for social peace. Through my course work at Emporia state I have read articles about how some libraries become active in the homeless community to help them find jobs and help. I also want to point out that Ferguson’s library was used by community leaders in the days after the shooting, even during a time of civil unrest. This library stayed open and promoted social peace. I think all libraries can promote social peace whether it be between different types of