Artisan library
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In 1796 the Birmingham Brotherly Society was formed out of the Sunday School Movement. A forerunner of the Mechanics Institutes, the society was instrumental in promoting mutual improvement and spreading knowledge amongst the working classes in a time before mass education. In 1797, two members of the society, William and Samuel Carpenter founded an artisan's library where members could access reading material for one penny a week. Originally named the Bristol Street Society it moved to Paradise Street in 1899 and was renamed the Artisan's Library. Several further moves followed before the library relocated to Edmund Street in 1811. In 1825 it was recorded as holding a stock of 1,500 volumes.
This trade card may relate to this library, but equally it might be promoting the artisan's libraries of 1816, set up by James Belcher and Son in Edgbaston Street, Deritend, the Bull Ring, and High Street.
There was sufficient demand for books and information in Birmingham that many examples of subscription-based, and circulating libraries operated in the city from the early 18th century onwards.
Location: Birmingham Trade Card Collection: Box 05 No. 300
