In message <[log in to unmask]>, Automatic digest processor
<[log in to unmask]> (i.e. James Brothers) writes
>The first lending library in the US was established with a gift from
>Benj Franklin in 1778. Where and when was the first lending library?
>I've tried just about every search I can think of and not come up with
>an answer.

I visited the Library of San Daniel del Friuli a couple of years ago and
think I was told that they were the first public lending library (any
citizen of San Daniel could borrow the books - I seem to remember this
was from the late 1500s.  It was established by a local man who had made
his fortune (and collected his library) in Venice, and gave it as a gift
to his home town.

Large parts of their collection were 'borrowed' by Napoleon and are now
in the Bibliotec Nationale.  The librarian of San Daniel said they'd
written and explained if returned they wouldn't levy the accrued fine.

One text they'd particularly like returned (even just as a photocopy),
if anyone from the Bodleian is listening) is the song "Gjoldin gjoldin"
by Lazzaro Valvansensi, the first written text in Friulana (the local
language, nearest known language is the Swiss Romance, not Italian).

Best wishes,

Pat

--
Pat Reynolds
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   "It might look a bit messy now,
                    but just you come back in 500 years time"
   (T. Pratchett)