Common Place : the Public Library, Civil Society and Early American Values

Common PLACE: The Public Library, Civil Society and Early American Values tells the stories behind early libraries in America -- where they are located, who created them and why. Vignettes of sixteen public libraries located in New England include those both historic and typical, albeit with a focus on smaller localities where their presence can be more significant. The final section of the book examines the future of the public library using a comparison of the current historical period with the Progressive Era as a frame. This examination also explores the relationship between libraries and community wellbeing, opportunity, and levels of social capital, as well as the potential role of the institution in life-long learning as America's economy evolves and the population ages.