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Part 4
Listen and answer questions 1 – 10.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Complete the notes below.

The Development of Public Libraries: From Private Collections to Community Spaces

Early History of Libraries
  • Before the 19th century, book collections were held by wealthy individuals or institutions.
  • Access was limited to scholars, clergy, and people of high social status.
  • Ancient Rome had semi-public reading rooms, but entry still required social .
The Public Libraries Act (1850)
  • Passed in Britain — gave local councils power to establish libraries funded by .
  • Councils were not required to build libraries; many saw them as an unnecessary .
  • By 1887, approximately towns in Britain had opened public libraries.
Andrew Carnegie's Contribution
  • Carnegie funded library construction between 1883 and .
  • He financed approximately 2,500 libraries across the world.
  • Condition attached to donations: local government must maintain the library and provide access.
Libraries in the 20th Century and Beyond
  • During the 1930s, libraries in the US expanded services due to the Great .
  • Between 2010 and 2019, over libraries were closed in the United Kingdom.