Part of Our Lives: A People's History of the American Public Library - Hardcover

The surprising connection between libraries and alcohol is one of the many fascinating revelations of Wiegand's narrative, which demonstrates that library history is also the history of social life and civic culture. (Faye Hammill, Times Higher Education)

Wayne Wiegand, a distinguished academic, has entered the arena with a narrative covering almost three centuries which neatly complements his previous books ... This book presents a fascinating snapshot of social history in local communities, well compiled, and with a thoughtful commentary. (K.A. Manley, Library & Information History)

Part of Our Lives is a richly detailed, deeply researched, eminently readable book. It will certainly become a standard work in the historiography of American public libraries. (Tom Glynn, Journal of American History)

For impatient readers, I will cut right to the chase: this is a landmark book. Wayne A. Wiegand, if there was any doubt, is a fine historian. He is also a fine scholar and has a supple grasp of contemporary theory. This book blends both but is overwhelmingly straight-on history done chronologically, extraordinarily well documented and imaginatively researched ... a fresh look at what is known and a fresh look at what has been overlooked ... It is an excellent history that should be read throughout the profession and beyond. (The Library Quarterly)

Wayne Wiegand, a distinguished academic, has entered the arena with a narrative covering almost three centuries which neatly complements his previous books ... This book presents a fascinating snapshot of social history in local communities, well compiled, and with a thoughtful commentary. (Library & Information History)

Wiegand's commitment to libraries and his extensive grounding in American library history make this people's perspective account particularly useful for scholars and others interested in librarianship, cultural studies, and American history. (Indiana Magazine of History)

Despite dire predictions in the late twentieth century that public libraries would not survive the turn of the millennium, their numbers have only increased. Two of three Americans frequent a public library at least once a year, and nearly that many are registered borrowers. Although library authorities have argued that the public library functions primarily as a civic institution necessary for maintaining democracy, generations of library patrons tell a different story.

In Part of Our Lives, Wayne A. Wiegand delves into the heart of why Americans love their libraries. The book traces the history of the public library, featuring records and testimonies from as early as 1850. Rather than analyzing the words of library founders and managers, Wiegand listens to the voices of everyday patrons who cherished libraries. Drawing on newspaper articles, memoirs, and biographies, Part of Our Lives paints a clear and engaging picture of Americans who value libraries not only as civic institutions, but also as social spaces for promoting and maintaining community.

Whether as a public space, a place for accessing information, or a home for reading material that helps patrons make sense of the world around them, the public library has a rich history of meaning for millions of Americans. From colonial times through the recent technological revolution, libraries have continuously adapted to better serve the needs of their communities. Wiegand goes on to demonstrate that, although cultural authorities (including some librarians) have often disparaged reading books considered not "serious" the commonplace reading materials users obtained from public libraries have had a transformative effect for many, including people like Ronald Reagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Oprah Winfrey.

A bold challenge to conventional thinking about the American public library, Part of Our Lives is an insightful look into one of America's most beloved cultural institutions.