I’ve made an executive decision not to organize my blog series on the history of libraries chronologically. Part 1 focused on the oldest libraries in the world and now I’m jumping ahead to Victorian lending libraries. I hope to cover many topics in between when inspiration strikes.

This post is based on an essay by my younger sister. Like me, she earned her BA at Huron University College in London, Ontario. I did a double major in English and History, while she specialized in English. At my request she graciously shared with me an essay she wrote about lending libraries and literacy in Victorian England and I used it to put together this informative blog post.

The Rise of the Reading Public

The main audience for libraries in Victorian England was the lower and middle classes, which made up 75% of society. These classes grew during the 19th century due to better health care and sanitation, which led to lower infant mortality rates and longer life spans.

The middle class was wealthier than before and had increased leisure time because of shorter workdays and workweeks. They were often able to hire domestic servants, saving them much time previously spent working at home. In addition many products like soap, candles, and food could now be bought rather than made, saving even more time.

Educational reform was an important movement in Victorian England. The Factory Act of 1833 made part-time education compulsory for children, which led to increased literacy.

Finally, compared to other leisure activities (e.g. concerts, cards, music hall, billiards), reading was deemed a wholesome pursuit.

Types of Libraries

Before mandatory factory schools opened, the church was the main promoter of literacy. Now educational reform led to more schools, better teacher training, and inspections. Schools began acquiring libraries and the number of literate children skyrocketed.

In 1841 Thomas Carlyle founded the London Library with 500 subscribers and 3000 books, but it was socially exclusive.

Village libraries connected with parish churches were another source of reading material, but they employed strict censorship.

Private book societies or clubs sprang up, enabling middle class families to exchange books amongst themselves.

Itinerating libraries circulated books between villages (one example, whose name I particularly like, is “Warrington’s Mechanics’ Institute perambulating library”). However, material was limited and many people could not afford even the small borrowing fee.

In 1842 Charles Mudie opened a circulating library. Ten years later Mudie’s Lending Library moved to a larger headquarters. It boasted eight branches and eight delivery vans. Unfortunately, Mudie discouraged publishing companies from producing cheap novels, which were all that the majority of Victorian society could afford.

Free Lending Libraries

Thankfully there were others who championed the cause of cheaper editions of books, as well as free lending libraries. In 1848 Edward Edwards published Remarks on the Paucity of Libraries Freely Open to the Public, which gained some supporters in the House of Commons.

After facing some opposition, in 1850 the establishment of public and free lending libraries received Royal Assent.

The popularity of the new lending libraries grew slowly. They were often dirty and crowded. Inevitable debates over taxes and public and private responsibilities took place.

However, by the end of the 19th century 30,000-40,000 volumes were circulating in the U.K. A wide variety of books was finally accessible to all the people of England regardless of class, gender, age, or income.

Thanks, Emily!

(Sources available upon request.)

Featured image: Mudie’s Lending Library in 1910. Source: mental_floss’s “30 Vintage Photos of People in LIbraries”