Overview of the creation of public libraries, the Library of Congress, why libraries continue to be important, and what the Farmers Branch Library offers.

1. Farmers Branch Manske Library
Rotary Club – Brookhaven Country Club
March 30, 2016

2. Thomas Jefferson
– letter to John
Wyche, 1809.
“I have often thought that nothing
would do more extensive good at
small expense than the
establishment of a small circulating
library in every county, to consist of
a few well-chosen books, to be lent to
the people of the country under
regulations as would secure their
safe return in due time.”
Library of Congress
Reading Room

3. Brief History
Library of
Congress
Library of Congress (LOC) was established in
1800 under President John Adams for
“such books as may be necessary for the
use of Congress…”
These library materials were housed in the
Capitol Building until the collection was
destroyed by fire in 1814. (War of 1812 –
Post American Revolution)
Thomas Jefferson donated his vast and
personal book collection for public use
toward the first national library in 1815.
(Inside Capitol Building)
LOC opened its Italian Renaissance doors to
the public in November 1897… hailed as a
glorious national monument as "the largest,
the costliest, and the safest" library building
in the world. https://www.loc.gov/

4. • Public libraries in America
welcomed more than 1.59 billion
visitors in 2009.
• More than half of young adults and
seniors living in poverty in the US used
public libraries to access Internet.
• “It’s the most democratic institution in
the city,” NYPL president said, noting
people from all walks of life use library
resources side by side.
Why Public Libraries
Matter: And How They
Can Do More
David Vinjamuri - Forbes
Contributor - 1/16/2013

5. • Libraries provide public
access to online
information.
• Vast majority of public
libraries help communities
bridge digital divide with
free broadband Wi-Fi
• Help “find work, apply to
college, secure government
benefits, and learn about
critical medical treatments”
Why Public Libraries
Matter: And How They
Can Do More
David Vinjamuri - Forbes
Contributor - 1/16/2013

6. In Praise of Libraries,
Gwen Kerival, The
Rotarian, 03/03/2015
“People congregate in libraries unlike
anywhere else… they cater to
everyone… It’s the only place people
of all colors, creeds, ages, and
political beliefs freely, easily and
intermittently intermingle.
It’s the only fully democratic
institution that I know of.”

7. Access to financial information
Availability of computing technology
(especially the Internet)
Job and career resources
Business resources
(particularly for small businesses)
Educational and Tax Help; ESL & GED
Classes
Books & other formats available without cost
Children's programs
Identifying Public Library Benefits
http://www.gradstudies.fsu.edu/

8. Farmers Branch Manske Library

9. Manske Library Resources
Library Card Benefits
• Farmers Branch, Carrollton, and
Addison resident eligible for library
card with photo ID.
• Chamber of Commerce and Rotary
Club Members are eligible for a library
card with proof of membership.
• CFB/ISD employees are eligible for a
library card with proof of
employment.
• Cardholders are able to check-out
print materials and use public
computers within library.
• All electronic resources are available
from off-site with PIN# access.
Meeting Facilities Use
• Meeting room up to 150 persons capacity
• Conference room up to 25 persons
capacity
• Outdoor amphitheater
• Meeting room policy and application
available on library website.

10. Manske Library Resources
Online Databases
Partnering with the TexShare Consortia provides over 80 databases…
Morningstar Investment research center.
Reference USA Leading provider in business and consumer research.
Religion and Philosophy Periodicals, encyclopedia, and current events.
Small Business Reference Center
Small Engine Repair Reference Manual
Myriad of current & relevant info

11. Manske Library Resources
Print and Online Materials
• Over 130,000 print and AV materials in collection
• Non Fiction, Reference, Fiction, Periodicals, and
DVDs/CDs.
• Access to copiers and printers.
• Digital Library – Recreational Resources
Overdrive Books
One Click Digital Audio Books
Hoopla Digital Movies and more
Freegal Music
Zinio Magazines

12. Manske Library Resources
How to get library card

13. Thank you for
coming Today!
Upcoming Programs and Calendar of Events
Visit our library website for more information
farmersbranchlibrary.org
Denise Wallace, Library Director
Denise.Wallace@farmersbranchtx.gov
972-919-9800