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- Dearborn Public Library, September 1945 - Until the 20th century, most book collections were not available to everyday Americans. The concept of free public libraries, often established through the support of wealthy philanthropists, gained traction in the early 1900s. Women of the local garden club funded a public library for Dearborn, Michigan, in 1919. Member Clara Ford (wife of Henry Ford) donated the land for this building, completed in 1924.

- September 21, 1945
- Collections - Artifact
Dearborn Public Library, September 1945
Until the 20th century, most book collections were not available to everyday Americans. The concept of free public libraries, often established through the support of wealthy philanthropists, gained traction in the early 1900s. Women of the local garden club funded a public library for Dearborn, Michigan, in 1919. Member Clara Ford (wife of Henry Ford) donated the land for this building, completed in 1924.
- "Free People Free Libraries" Button, Used by Velma Turman Moody, 1976 - "Free People, Free Libraries" was the slogan for National Library Week in 1976. The slogan -- appropriate for the country's bicentennial -- celebrated the contributions libraries have made to a democratic society and the growth of America. Staff at many public libraries created displays, provided community programs, and encouraged patrons to come in and check out a book.

- 1976
- Collections - Artifact
"Free People Free Libraries" Button, Used by Velma Turman Moody, 1976
"Free People, Free Libraries" was the slogan for National Library Week in 1976. The slogan -- appropriate for the country's bicentennial -- celebrated the contributions libraries have made to a democratic society and the growth of America. Staff at many public libraries created displays, provided community programs, and encouraged patrons to come in and check out a book.