In North America, a flurry of public libraries opened throughout the 1800s, with the Toronto Public Library (TPL) opening its first free public branch in 1884. The influx was buoyed by wealthy benefactors and businessmen like philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who made public libraries his mission. Anyone who thinks the public library is a fossil hasn't stepped inside one in a while. Meanwhile, the Alberta Public Library system features regular speaker series, enhanced resources and services for people with disabilities, and a province-wide telecommunications network. There are discussion groups, study rooms, book clubs, festivals and galleries, all administered by local public libraries.

Source: National Post October 18, 2018 17:37 UTC