How libraries in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania communities evolved from subscription clubs to vital public institutions
The nation’s first successful circulating library was established almost 300 years ago by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania has played a significant role in the development and expansion of public libraries across the United States. The American Library Association (ALA) celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2021, and the organization highlighted Pennsylvania's historical contributions to the field. Pittsburgh philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of over 1,600 library buildings throughout the United States, a move that shifted financial responsibility to local governments.
Carnegie's philanthropy was especially impactful because it allowed libraries to be built with public dollars, rather than relying solely on his continuous generosity.
Before Carnegie's philanthropy, there were other Pennsylvania philanthropists who contributed to the establishment of public libraries. For example, in 1883, Thomas Struthers, a lawyer and land developer, built a multipurpose building in Warren, Pennsylvania that contained a theater and storefronts, along with a public library. In Pennsylvania, the Library Company of Philadelphia, established in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, was the nation's first successful circulating library.
This early "public" library was a model for many others, as it did not require users to be affiliated with churches or other organizations.
While some early public libraries in Pennsylvania required annual membership fees, the desire among educators, women's clubs, local government leaders, and public-spirited citizens was strong to provide libraries for everyone. Carnegie's philanthropy was especially significant because it shifted some financial responsibility to local governments, making libraries more accessible to a wider range of people.
Pennsylvania libraries have also received federal and state support over the years, including Act 329 in 1931 and the Library Services Act of 1956-1962. However, there were still inequities in how resources were allocated and spaces designed.
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