The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 19, May 8, 2005, Article 25

EARLY LIBRARY HAZARD: WAX DRIPPINGS

Dick Johnson writes: "Connecticut had a public library as early
as 1771. It was formed by Richard Smith, owner of a local
blast furnace, who used community contributions to buy 200
books in London. The library was "open" only one day a month,
the third Monday. Fees were collected if the book was damaged.
The most frequent damage was wax dripping on the pages from
the candles by which the books were read. Surviving records
called this "greasing."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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