The passage
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For most of history, books were rare and expensive. Before printing, every copy had to be written by hand, and a single book could take months to produce. Collections of books belonged mainly to religious institutions, universities and wealthy families, and ordinary people seldom had the chance to read them.
The invention of printing made books cheaper, but many people still could not afford to buy them. In the eighteenth century, subscription libraries became popular in some countries. Members paid a yearly fee, and in return they could borrow books from a shared collection. These libraries were a step forward, but the fees meant that they were used mostly by middle-class readers.
The idea of the free public library grew during the nineteenth century. Reformers argued that working people should have the same opportunity to educate themselves as the rich, and that reading could improve both individuals and society. In several countries, new laws allowed towns to collect local taxes to pay for libraries that anyone could use without charge.
Early public libraries were often strict places. Readers were expected to be silent, and in some libraries they could not take books from the shelves themselves but had to ask a librarian to fetch them. Over time, open shelves became normal, and children's sections were added to encourage young readers.
Today public libraries offer much more than books. Many lend films and music, provide free internet access, and run classes and events. Although some people predicted that the internet would make libraries unnecessary, many libraries now serve as community centres where people meet, study and get help with everyday problems.