The Library in Colonial New York (Classic Reprint)

Austin Baxter Keep

ISBN 10: 1331601746 / ISBN 13: 9781331601746

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. Here is a monograph that unveils the inception of libraries in New York from 1698 to 1776. The author presents an in-depth examination of the efforts undertaken during this period to establish public libraries, highlighting the contributions of the Bray Foundation. The author also discusses other notable libraries of the time, such as the Sharpe Collection and the Millington Bequest. This book provides a thorough analysis of the evolving library landscape in New York during this era, showcasing the challenges faced and the gradual progress made toward establishing these institutions as vital centers of learning and intellectual growth. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781331601746_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Library in Colonial New York (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1331601746
• ISBN 13: 9781331601746
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Minutes and Reports

About this title

Synopsis

Uncover the early roots of libraries in colonial New York and how they shaped public learning.

This nonfiction study traces the rise of libraries from 1698 to 1776, revealing how institutions like King’s College and the New York Society Library built collections, faced war, and influenced generations of leaders in law, politics, and culture. It blends archival detail with accessible narrative to show why these early efforts mattered in American history.

Explore the challenges of establishing knowledge networks in a growing city, the roles of key donors and librarians, and the episodes of disruption during the Revolutionary era that touched every major collection. The book also situates New York’s library efforts within the broader American context, comparing them with early libraries in other colonies.

• Learn how early collections were formed, funded, and safeguarded through difficult times.
• Meet the people behind the libraries, from trustees and founders to influential scholars.
• See how colonial libraries influenced education, law, and civic life in New York.
• Discover how wartime events affected access to books and the path to recovery.

Ideal for readers of American history and library history, this edition offers a careful, well-sourced lens on a formative period.