Map showing free public libraries
PublisherPublished by
Geo. H. Walker & Co.
(American, founded 1880)
Date1896
MediumLithography; black and red printer's ink on wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 10 3/4 x 14 7/8in. (27.3 x 37.8cm)
Sheet (height x width): 12 x 16 1/4in. (30.5 x 41.3cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number2012.312.63
DescriptionMap of Connecticut, divided into towns and counties, showing the towns in which free public libraries exist that were organized under Chapter CLXXVIII of the Public Acts of 1893, indicated by solid red shading; and the towns in which free public libraries exist that were otherwise created, indicated by red and white striped shading. Villages and cities in the towns are denoted with circles and names. The New York, New Haven and Hartford; New England; Vermont; Reading; and the Northeast Division Railroads are labeled. Other railroad lines are delineated, but their names are not provided. The bordering states' names and that of the Long Island Sound do not appear on the map.
Label TextIn 1893, the Connecticut state legislature passed a law to encourage the founding of free public libraries. Under the new law, if a town voted funds to establish and maintain a free library, the state would provide up to $200 for the purchase of books. Towns rushed to take advantage of this generous offer. Between 1893 and 1896, the number of free libraries almost doubled. A map is a graphic way to present this kind of information much more succinctly and clearly than a lengthy written description would do. It is possible to see at a glance where the new libraries were located and to quickly identify parts of the state which were well-provided with free public libraries, and those where free public libraries were largely lacking.
NotesCartographic Note: No ScaleStatus
Not on view
Haris Gusta Guya
2011 November 4
