Social Libraries

The history of libraries in California followed a distinct pattern. First of all there were the Social Libraries and they were prevalent from about 1849-1878. Coincidentally, they initially were inspired by the Gold Rush period. It was a period of California history when there was a great influx of people arriving in the state. Once the Gold Rush period passed these libraries decreased in number, with the exception of the libraries in San Francisco. Also, during the same time period there was a rise in special types of public libraries. These libraries included the following: academic and special (Military Library, California Academy of Natural Sciences, law libraries, etc.) libraries. governmental and institutional libraries, district school libraries, Sunday school Libraries, YMCA and Temperance Reading Rooms, Odd Fellows' Libraries, Lodge and Club Libraries, and commercial libraries (circulating libraries). The influence of Easterners, who were accustomed to public libraries, helped stimulate interest in founding libraries in California.

It was not until 1877-1878 that a strong statewide public library movement took place in California. This period was when California Library Legislation came into effect. The first strong piece of legislation was the Rogers Act of 1877. Even though it was only in effect for two years (it was replaced by a new law then), it paved the way for local authorities to create and maintain libraries in their communities.

The social libraries during this period were more limited than the public libraries that we know in more recent times. However, they did set the stage for their evolutionary development. Most librarians of this era were glorified clerks. They were not as highly valued as the professionals of today. No training programs were available to them in this earlier time period.

San Mateo was a bit backward in this regard. They did not create a reading room until 1883. It was a woman's group that were the initiators. Their motivation was guided by their desire to provide wholesome entertainment to the young, so they would not be tempted by less savory amusements. The city did not actually establish a public library until 1899.

However, it was not until the Carnegie Library in 1907 that the city received its own separate public library space.