additional information for the lead section of the article:
Subscription libraries began in the 17th century in Great Britain before Benjamin Franklin and a group of similar intellectuals founded the first subscription library in the colonies in 1727 as a “Junto.” The group gathered weekly to discuss topics of particular interest including natural philosophy, morals, and politics. Books were often part of their discussions and in 1731 a group of the members agreed to contribute funds to create a permanent library to be used by the newly formed Library Company of Philadelphia. The members paid an initial fee and then annual membership fee. The popularity of the subscription library led to the founding of others throughout the colonies. While the Library of Company of Philadelphia was a place for debate and discussion by a group of wealthy men other subscription libraries were established by working class individuals in an attempt to improve themselves, such as the Mercantile Library of New York. As the number of free public libraries increased the number of subscription libraries decreased and today there is just a handful still in existence.
Any feedback on the content for the lead section would be appreciated. I am part of MLIS graduate program and this is a topic on interest in my studies.MiamiMelly (talk) 02:28, 19 October 2016 (UTC)
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References
Murray, S. (2009). The Library: An Illustrated History. New York, NY: Skyhorse Pub, 2009. Chicago : ALA Editions.
