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library in Britain. Its first secretary was chemist and philosopher Joseph Priestley. Originally based in a bookshop, it moved to its purpose-built Commercial Street building in 1808, where it remains today. Other Yorkshire towns developed similar institutions, including Hull, where a subscription

library was founded in 1775. Harrogate also had subscription and circulating libraries, while Huddersfield developed newsrooms and libraries through philosophical societies and Mechanics’ Institutes. From the mid-19th century, free public libraries and commercial libraries caused many to close.

I remember a shop in the place I grew up that was I thought a bookshop. But found out it was a library when my Nana went in got a book and I paid two pence. We had a County Library in the small town. But I understand now, that it was something Boots library found in larger towns.

The Providence Library Company was operating in at least 1774. adverts250project.org/tag/providen...

They were very important social gathering places!

Were? Are! I am screaming, are we not living under the same sun? Or have you not noticed that libraries are literally one of the last holdouts where you can still socially gather in the USA without having to pay for the right to loiter and not be harassed for looking too poor to afford services. 1/2

I was specifically referring to the role of subscription libraries in “society “ at that era. As essential meeting places …

And while I was in Europe last, you know what I did? I visited public parks and libraries so: they ARE still relevant. Also, people in Europe aren’t socially insane like Americans. People hang out in Europe, Americans hustle alone or in small, tight-knit groups through their huge liminal spaces. 2/2

Wealthy industrialists often funded them as it encouraged education in technology so helped their businesses as well as the wider public

It was probably well into the back half of the 19th century when wealthy industrialists began funding public libraries in the UK on a large scale . Probably the earliest though was Cheatham's in Manchester in the 17th century.

A "Johnny-come-lately" for the 'middle-class members"? 🤔 Sorry 😜! It's just that I have a real "soft spot" for The Miners' Library in Wanlockhead/Leadhills - www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk/visit/miners....

I can't imagine middle class people doing something like this today

They make Little Free Libraries instead, the vast majority of which are in mid to upper middle class neighborhoods. Still a bit of funds outlay to get them going. They don't have to do them at all, what with the existence of public libraries, but they still do them.

At risk of being controversial, dumping a few books you no longer want at a local tube station / discarded phone kiosk is nowhere near the same thing. Though I like those initiatives especially if the books are any good.