Postcard, "The Free Library of Philadelphia," circa 1930

Until the 20th century, most book collections were not available to everyday Americans. They were either privately owned, accessible only by paid subscription, or stored away haphazardly. In some communities, wealthy citizens funded libraries. Philadelphia philanthropist George Seckel Pepper bequeathed $225,000 in 1889 to establish The Free Library of Philadelphia. The Free Library system's massive Central Library, pictured here, opened in 1927.