Discussing Libraries

At the Salisbury Forum

“Books”—from cuneiform symbols scratched into clay tablets through to the digital publications of today—have been housed in libraries for at least 5,000 years. But the public’s access to the information contained in them—that great equalizing element— is a relatively new phenomenon.

Once restricted to the use of the clergy, academics and the very wealthy, libraries only moved into the public domain in the 17th and 18th century, where they promptly began to disseminate ideas that transformed the world. In the American colonies, libraries in private residences provided access to much of the information necessary to foment the American Revolution and create the first American government.

Truly public libraries proliferated in the 19th century, bringing both entertainment and education to the masses. But the 20th and now the 21st centuries brought great change to the role of libraries in modern society.

The Salisbury Forum will explore the topic of “The Library in Challenging Times” on November 7th at 7PM at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village. Anthony W. Marx, president of the New York Public Library, the nation’s largest library system, will discuss the future of the NYPL and the challenges facing libraries that must confront issues such as the spread of misinformation, countering social isolation and book bans.

The event is free but registration is required. To sign up please click on the link below.