In Burnley, 1900, and the Absence of a Public Library

Abstract

This paper examines the town of Burnley and its population in 1900 and questions why Burnley did not have a public library fifty years after the Public Libraries Act of 1850 had been passed. It closely examines the relationship between the councillors and directors of the Mechanics!' Institute to see if there was a conflict of interest when the same person was a member of both organizations. The council's action and inaction in providing a public library is examined. Findings indicate a public library was needed and would have been well supported. Reasons the council gave for not establishing a public library were not valid since there was sufficient money in the coffers. Evidence indicates that the council was not interested in providing a public library. There is also evidence of a conflict of interest for those members who were councillors and directors of the Mechanics!' Institute.