Question

8)When did many public libraries appear ? Помогите пжл ответить на вопрос

Answer 1

When did many public libraries appear?

Public libraries have a long history, and their origins can be traced back to ancient times. However, the establishment of public libraries as we know them today began to take shape in the 19th century. During this time, there was a growing recognition of the importance of providing access to knowledge and information to the general public.

One significant milestone in the development of public libraries was the passage of the Public Libraries Act in the United Kingdom in 1850. This act allowed local authorities to establish and maintain public libraries using public funds. The first public library established under this act was the Warrington Museum & Library in Warrington, England, which opened in 1852.

In the United States, the establishment of public libraries gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The formation of the American Library Association (ALA) in 1876 played a crucial role in advocating for the establishment of public libraries across the country. The ALA promoted the idea that public libraries should be free and open to all members of the community.

Andrew Carnegie, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, also made significant contributions to the development of public libraries. Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded the construction of over 2,500 public libraries worldwide, including more than 1,600 in the United States. His donations helped establish public libraries in many communities that did not have access to educational resources.

It is important to note that while public libraries began to appear in the 19th century, the concept of libraries and repositories of knowledge has existed for centuries. Ancient civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, had libraries that served as centers of learning and preserved important texts. However, these early libraries were often limited to a select few and were not accessible to the general public in the same way that modern public libraries are.

In summary, public libraries began to appear in the 19th century, with significant developments in the United Kingdom and the United States. The establishment of public libraries was driven by a growing recognition of the importance of providing access to knowledge and information to the general public.