Conor Dougherty, New Library Technologies Dispense With Librarians. Wall Street Journal, Oct. 25, 2010.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304354104575568592236241242.html
Quote:
"Public libraries are an American creation. The first was introduced by Benjamin Franklin, who created a co-operative library funded by people who used it. The first tax-supported library was founded in Peterborough, N.H., in 1833, according to Larry Nix, a retired librarian and library historian. Today there are about 16,700 public library buildings in the country.
My comment: When I read Mr. Franklin's autobiography, which talked about the book co-op, I did not know its importance (until today) so I was puzzled by his enthusiasm of talking about it--and pride in the co-op (i thought it was such an ordinary thing).