INTRODUCTION
The public library was a noteworthy invention in American
social and intellectual history. This institution has been
described as "fundamental to the nation's values." It is
characterized by its commitment to promoting an enlightened citizenry, providing opportunity, materials, and encouragement
for adult self-education. It is further characterized by its
outreach mission to people of all ages and economic and
educational levels.
Middletown Thrall Library is, in many respects,
representative of small city public libraries. It has been
serving the people of the city of Middletown since the beginning
of this century and has undergone many changes in physical
facility, collection size, staff, circulation, budget, and
services offered. The purpose of this paper is to tell the story
of this Library - its origin, evolution, and development - and some of the people who work and have worked there. A complete
history of Middletown Thrall Library has never been written.
This story, organized and synthesized from the available data, is
important in its own right. It will add to the existing
literature of the history of public libraries and hopefully make
a small contribution to this body of knowledge. In less than