Tag Archives: public libraries

Like so many other institutions birthed out of noble intentions, America’s public libraries were founded as a Christian endeavor. In fact, the earliest libraries were part of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel — a mission-minded Church of England entity.

A missionary priest, the Reverend John Sharpe, noted while visiting New York City in 1713:

Another thing which is very much wanted here is a public Library, which would very much advance both learning and piety. Such there are at Charles Town in Carolina, Annapolis in Mary Land, at Philadelphia and Boston. Some books have been formerly