Private libraries Library

the linen hall library in belfast 18th-century subscription library. pictured in 1888, shortly before demolition.

private subscription libraries functioned in same manner commercial subscription libraries, though varied in many important ways. 1 of popular versions of private subscription library gentleman s library. membership restricted proprietors or shareholders, , ranged dozen or 2 between 4 , 5 hundred.

the liverpool subscription library gentlemen library. in 1798, renamed athenaeum when rebuilt newsroom , coffeehouse. had entrance fee of 1 guinea , annual subscription of 5 shillings. analysis of registers first twelve years provides glimpses of middle-class reading habits in mercantile community @ period. largest , popular sections of library history, antiquities, , geography, 283 titles , 6,121 borrowings, , belles lettres, 238 titles , 3,313 borrowings.

circulating library , stationery shop, gulgong, australia 1870

private subscription libraries held greater amount of control on both membership , types of books in library. there complete elimination of cheap fiction in private societies. subscription libraries prided on respectability. highest percentage of subscribers landed proprietors, gentry, , old professions.

towards end of 18th century , in first decades of nineteenth, need books , general education made felt among social classes created beginnings of industrial revolution. late 18th century saw rise in subscription libraries intended use of tradesmen. in 1797, there established @ kendal known economical library, designed principally use , instruction of working classes. there artizans library established @ birmingham in 1799. entrance fee 3 shillings. subscription 1 shilling 6 pence per quarter. library of general literature. novels, @ first excluded, afterwards admitted on condition did not account more one-tenth of annual income.