Definition of lending library

The term "lending library" originally emerged in the mid-19th century as a result of the increasing popularity of public libraries in both urban and rural areas. Prior to this era, libraries were primarily private collections established by wealthy individuals or organizations to serve as resources for intellectual curiosity and academic pursuits. However, as the concept of public libraries gained traction, it became apparent that accessibility and availability of books were still limited to those who could afford to pay the admission fees. This led to the development of lending libraries, where individuals could borrow books for a small fee, typically ranging from one to five cents per volume. In these libraries, also known as subscription libraries, patrons could become members by paying an annual fee, which provided them with the privilege of borrowing a collection of books. These libraries often specialized in particular genres, such as law, religion, or popular literature, with the goal of catering to the specific interests of their members. Over time, as public libraries became more established and popular, the demand for lending libraries waned. Today, the term "lending library" is primarily associated with specialized collections, such as those found at medical facilities or colleges, where the focus is on lending out technical or specialized materials for a limited period of time. Overall, the origin of the term "lending library" serves as a reminder of the historical context that brought about the establishment of libraries for the public good and the evolution of accessibility to literature over time.