back 1930s

The Works Progress Administration was created in May 1935 as part of the New Deal Program to help bring people out of the Depression. Among other programs the Works Progressed Administration worked on, libraries were a particular target. It not only expanded the number of libraries but also expanded reader services to include aspects such as reading rooms and bookmobiles. The goal of the organization was to increase the availability of libraries to penetrate the most rural areas of the country. Under the Division of Women’s and Professional Project this organization also provided employment for individuals, especially women, by soliciting items for book repair and mending.

Deanna Olson

back 1930s