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Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3., The Evolution of the Medford public Library. (search)
he school records of that period, however, though the school committee took action with regard to the matter, the scheme was abandoned. The public library, free to all, is peculiar to modern civilization, and the circulating library, from which books may be taken for home use, is of comparatively recent date. The idea that books, to be of real benefit, should be put into the hands of people for use outside of the library was first put into practical execution by Benjamin Franklin, who, in 1731, established at Philadelphia the first effective circulating library, now called the Old Philadelphia Library. This was what is known as a Society Library, supported by subscription, and was the forerunner of the nearly one thousand Social Libraries which sprang up so rapidly throughout the United States. Franklin, in his autobiography, speaking of the benefits derived from them, says: They have improved the general conversation of the Americans; have made the common tradesmen and farmers
Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3., chapter 9 (search)
Colman. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1692. After supplying the pulpit for about six months he returned to Cambridge to prosecute further his theological studies, and remained there till he took the degree of M. A. in 1695. He went to England for a space of about three years, returning by invitation to become the pastor of the newly formed Brattle-street Church, in which office he continued until his death in 1747. He received the degree of D. D. from the University of Glasgow in 1731. He was chosen President of Harvard College to succeed President Leverett, who died in 1724, but the General Court refused to vote his salary until such time as he should accept the office, and his church should consent to release him from his pastoral charge; neither of these things being done, he never filled the office. He is said to have been a man of much ability, to which were added pulpit graces of a high order,—with a gifted and cultivated mind he possessed a naturally ardent temper