Worcester Public Library is a public library in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1859 when local resident John Green donated his personal library to the city for public use. In 2004, the Worcester Library Foundation was established to raise funds and promote the library. In fiscal year 2009, the city of Worcester spent 1.14% ($4,817,006) of its budget on the library—some $26 per person.
Worcester Public Library, 2014
Worcester Public Library, 19th century
Panoramic view of the Main Branch of the Worcester Public Library in 2010.
Samuel Swett Green was a founding figure in America’s public library movement.
Samuel Swett Green