Check it Out: The Worcester Public Library in Space and Time

The Worcester Public Library (WPL) has been in continual existence since late 1859, when the City Council adopted an ordinance to establish it and accept a gift from Dr. John Green III and the Worcester Lyceum and Library Association of 7,000 and 4,000 books respectively. Today, the Worcester Public Library system consists of seven libraries and two bookmobiles; four of these libraries are located within Worcester Public Schools’ elementary schools. Recognizing the importance of a healthy and active library for a vibrant and literate community, this StoryMap by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) utilizes data from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) to examine the state of WPL. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), this StoryMap will also look at the locations of libraries within Worcester and their relationships with their surrounding communities.