History of the Reading Public Library

Library Information

Library History
This document will provide some insight into one of America's oldest and finest libraries.

The Reading Public Library: One Hundred Years as a Free Library
Though it can trace its roots to 1763, our institution did not officially become the Reading Public Library, free to all residents, until April 4, 1899 when the City of Reading formally accepted the deed to the property. On that same date, one hundred years ago today, the Board of Trustees of the newly constituted public library held its first meeting.

The Early Years
Founded as an English subscription library in 1763, Reading's Library is one of the oldest, though not continuously operating, libraries in the United States. The original library ceased operation during the Revolutionary War. Beginning in 1808, the membership association known as the Library Company of Reading was formed to re-establish the library. It later became known as the Reading Library, or the Reading Library Company, and operated as such until 1845 when it had to be shut down.

Never Say Die
Because of financial and other problems, the library was forced to close its doors on several occasions. It was reopened in 1848 and operated until 1856. The same cycle repeated from 1859 to 1866, and from 1868 to 1888. The library began functioning again in 1888 and has operated continuously to the present. A complete account can be found in the library's history, The Library That Would Not Die (copies are available for a nominal cost at all library locations).

A Permanent Home
Though it had other locations in its early days, the Library first occupied part of a building at Fifth and Franklin Streets in 1868. That library hall was offered to the City of Reading in 1898 and became free to the public from that time forward. The property and contents were eventually deeded to the City in 1899.

In his first annual report to City Council, Albert R. Durham, Librarian at the time, noted the rapid adoption of library use by local residents, stating that "however sufficient the equipment seemed at the time the Reading Library Company made tender of it to the city, the rapid growth of public interest and public use very quickly made additional equipment and accommodation necessary."

Indeed, the Library continued to growth and eventually occupied the entire building at Fifth and Franklin. Due to overcrowding and unsafe conditions, the Library was moved to an old school house on Franklin near Third from 1910 to 1913 while a completely new facility--the now familiar Main Library--was built at the original site through the generosity of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

President Richmond in his "Fifteenth Annual Report of the Reading Public Library" said that "the year 1913 witnessed the completion of the new building and the resumption of the business of the library in this beautiful structure" and that "the subject of establishing branch libraries has interested the public and engaged the Board of Trustees for several years."

Ups and Downs
It would not be for decades, however, that the first building constructed as a Branch Library was completed. During the interim, branch libraries began operating in the schools as early as 1914. Library usage continued to grow through the years and peaked at the height of the Great Depression. A graph in the "Thirty-Eighth Annual Report" (for 1936) shows a direct parallel between the increased number of books checked out of the Reading Public Library and the downturn in business conditions -with each peaking in 1933.

At the same time, the Main Library was becoming more and more crowded as the library collection grew along with the number of users. To alleviate the situation, the Northwest Branch Library was built and became available to the public in 1939. Works Progress Administration (or WPA) money was used to finance the structure. Even with the branches, and a bookmobile added in 1951, the Main Library struggled by during the next couple of decades as its space shortage became more pressing.

Library Expansion
Finally, in 1963, a central stack system was added increasing the total shelving capacity to over 200,000 items. The number of these materials which were borrowed by the public reached its peak in 1967 when city circulation reached 550,089. During the 1960's, city funding support of the Library also was at its highest level when adjusted for inflation. It is no wonder that 15,566 items were added to the collection in 1969 alone. Though funding began to dip in the 1970's, the public did support a 1971 bond issue which resulted in the construction of two new facilities, the Northeast Branch Library and the Southeast Branch Library, in 1974. The Northwest Branch Library was renovated at the same time.

Modern Times
After a major capital campaign in 1989, the Main Library received its first upgrade in years during the early 1990s. It was renovated and modernized through a variety of projects which concluded in 1993. It was at the same time that the operations of the Reading Public Library were automated through an online catalog and computerized circulation system. Eventually, Reading Area Community College Library, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and members of the federated Berks County Public Libraries system were added to form ALIN - the Advanced Library Information Network.

A Memorable Anniversary
Considering some of the challenges it had faced and the changes it had experienced over the previous three decades, the Reading Public Library completed a banner year in 1998--during the period which marked its centennial year as a free public library, the 190-year birthday of the Reading Library Company, and the 250th anniversary of the City of Reading.

During its 100th year as a free public library, RPL unveiled its first website (www.reading.lib.pa.us), removed rental fees from videos, added musical compact discs to the collection, and reached an agreement with Alvernia College Library making it an ALIN member. A series of public and private partnerships have also added vitality to the organization. Outreach programs are in progress with the schools, the Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs, the Spanish speaking community, and numerous other groups.

The total number of materials borrowed from RPL by the public during 1998 was 421,576, a 10% increase over 1997 and the highest level since the mid-1970s. The number of items added to the collection was 15,406, a 23% increase and the most new materials since 1969. Usage levels at all three branches were up, including a 21% jump at Northwest.

�2010 Reading Public Library
100 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA 19602
(610) 655-6350 www.reading.lib.pa.us