‘Involuntary’ Libraries

Certain categories of people found themselves in ‘captive’ communities where they might have lost their freedom for a variety of reasons but still had access to a library, which was vital for so many. These include soldiers, sailors, lighthouse keepers, passengers on ships and railways, and hotel guests. Libraries are also considered in prisons, hospitals and asylums (both for patients and nurses), and workhouses, while provisions for the blind and for servants are not overlooked.