The Library of the Piotrków Charity Society for Christians in the years 1906–1918

Abstract

This article deals with the first public library in Piotrków Trybunalski opened by the Society of Charity in 1906.

This society, established in 1885, from the very beginning collected books in order to allow reading for the poorest people living in the city. The Russian authorities, however, three times (1889, 1895, 1896) dismiseed the Society's petition for the establishment of a library. This was opened already in changed political conditions after the revolution of 1905-1907, in June 1906. Earlier the books were lent illegally.

The development of the library took place in the years 1912-1918. The section for children was separated then and the collection of books for adults way significantly enlarged. The children's section was very popular when the World War I began and the schools were closed. Over 500 children borrowed the books then. In 1915 it was planned to open a branch library in working class districts but the plans were abandonded because of the lack of financial resources.

The books were collected mainly by purchase but citizen's gifts were also significant. The belles lettres books constituted 70% of the collection, popular science - 13%, children's books - 16%, journals - 1%. Readers' interest focused mainly on belles lettres (over 90% of borrowings).

At first borrowing books was free. In 1914 adults had to pay 10 kopiejkas per month. Children's library remained free up to the closing of the library.

The ideological shape of the library was formed by the most active members of the society. The were rather conservative and after 1906 the links between the society and the clergy - "the guardian morality and religiousness" - was even strengthened.