Could a private library exist?

Virtually every city and town in America has a public library that is supported by tax money.But could there be a PRIVATE library-one supported by membership fees and able to make its own rules and regulations.

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LamontCranston · M

The Boston Athenaeum is a private library, since 1807. One of the glories of the city and open to visitors.

OliverM · 22-25, M

Private libraries do exist Lol.

OliverM · 22-25, M

@OliverM The exact term for what you are describing is a membership library, though. Those also exist. Private libraries are usually what you would refer to a University library as, or it's established specifically for a very limited number of people- such as a specific area of research of study.

ElwoodBlues · M

Athenaeum of Philadelphia is a private library.

The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin. is another, and it's well enough endowed that members don't have to pay.

There are 20 private libraries in Manhattan:
https://www.nycitywoman.com/private-libraries-in-new-york-city/

windinhishair · 70-79, M

Private libraries exist now, and were very common in the past. Many small town libraries in the northeast are named [Name of town] Free Library to indicate that they are open to everyone and are free to use.

Piper · 61-69, F

Yeah, they can. The wonderful thing about public libraries though, is that they are there for even very "poor" people to use.

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