Maptour Page 4
Maptour: The Printed Word 1752 – 1900
Literate Canadians


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Notes: Text from the Atlas

Try This:

  • Open the interactive map “Public Libraries, 1779-1891.”
  • Under LAYER CONTROLS, turn on the checkbox for "Collective Libraries 1779-1830.”

Notice ...

  • The term “Collective Library” is not defined in the legend box.

Try This:

  • Click on the "Related Materials" drop-down menu and select Notes - “Text from the Atlas.”
  • Scroll to the heading “Public Libraries” and read about collective libraries.
  • Close the Notes pop-up box and return to the map.
  • Click on the "Zoom to" drop-down menu and select “Southern Ontario.”

Notice ...

  • Libraries before 1820 were strictly urban features.
  • This map offers no clue as to the language of the library holdings.
  • Canada’s earliest libraries were private, not public, institutions.

Consider!

  • General reading in the early 19th century bears the earmarks of an elitist activity, restricted to those people with disposable income.