Abstract
In 1806, the territorial legislature chartered the first library in Indiana. The Vincennes Library Company began with 210 books contributed by local residents, mostly business and professional men. Though the library was chartered by the territory, its founders considered it their exclusive organization; only later did tradesmen, farmers, and craftsmen become library members. In 1811, another early subscription library was formed in Madison, Indiana. The Rappites began the first communal library in Indiana after they settled in southern Indiana in 1815. Evidence indicates that the library at Harmony contained approximately 360 volumes. The state’s 1816 constitution permitted the sale of town lots in each county seat to generate revenue for public subscription-model libraries.
Published Version
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