An introductory chapter outlines the provenance, circumstance
and background relating to the provision of individual books and
libraries within English parish churches since the Reformation. Such
sources as private benefactions, endowments and royal and episcopal
directives are cited as instrumental in creating the patchwork provision
of books that was the inheritance of the eighteenth century, and to which
was added the extensive work of Dr Thomas Bray, his Associates, and the
various religious societies.
A second chapter places within this historical context the
specific development of five libraries situated at Wisbech, Doncaster,
Witham, Rotherham and Maidstone; each of which, out of different
circumstances, was operating a lending library under parochial administration
for some period of the eighteenth century.
A detailed analysis of borrowers and books at the five libraries
follows in chapter 3 and is derived from the extant book-issue records
associated with each library. Such aspects as anticipated and apparent
demand; patterns and scope of use; borrower status; and the nature of
the books loaned are investigated.
A further chapter augments the evidence from these five libraries
with other parallel or related material. Specific reference is made
to diaries, benefaction details, and to recorded loans made from private
libraries at Castleton, Derbyshire; Idmiston, Wiltshire; and Llandissilio,
Wales.
A concluding chapter draws together certain common themes, reading
trends and shared administrative features whilst highlighting the
differing scope and nature of the borrowing communities, patterns of
benefaction and effects of individual and associated philanthropy.
Appendix I additionally provides a short-title union listing of
identifiable books recorded as borrowed during the eighteenth century
conflated from the five main libraries which form the basis of chapters
two and three.