The History of Libraries

The History of Libraries
 Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m.

The Sherman Library is pleased to host author and historical storyteller John Cilio as he presents The History of Libraries on October 10th at 11 a.m. at the Sherman Library. This fascinating program will kick off the centennial celebration of the Sherman Library opening its doors to the public!

Long before libraries served as open-door beacons of 21st-century literacy, America’s earliest book-sharing institutions were neither public nor free. In colonial America, books were rare luxury goods imported from across the ocean—and early book clubs were strictly for wealthy men looking to trade ideas.

So how did a handful of private, fee-based collections evolve into the vibrant community lifelines we know today? Join us for a deep dive into the colorful history, key figures, and pivotal moments that transformed small, private collections into today’s essential public institutions. We’ll meet the visionaries, strange turning points, and cultural shifts that built the modern library. Additionally, some of Sherman Library’s fascinating history will be covered as well. Warning: You'll leave with a whole new appreciation for your library card.

History isn’t just a series of dates on a timeline—for John Cilio, it’s a living, breathing story waiting to be told. A seasoned historical storyteller, researcher, and author, John has spent over 15 years unearthing forgotten narratives and breathing fresh life into the past.

His eight published books span an extraordinary range of human ingenuity, from the unsung women of WWII who revolutionized the modern workplace to the high-flying history of vintage helicopters. Drawing on a dynamic background in global corporate marketing, John has captivated audiences in over 60 countries.

A proud member of the Organization of American Historians, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, John currently resides in Sherman, Connecticut, where he continues to search for history's next great story.

This is a free program at the Sherman Library. Register online at shermanlibrary.org/registration-dropdown or contact slprograms@biblio.org.