Mechanic Apprentices Library Association

"[2] Founded by William Wood in 1820,[3][4] it also had an intermittent formal relationship with the larger, more established Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.

In addition to these advantages, the association [had] lectures and debates in the winter, and a social class for the study of elocution in the summer.

"Among the early donors were Governor Gore, Mr. William Phillips (who made a donation of $100), [and] admiral Sir Isaac Coffin.

"[8] Later it operated from Franklin Avenue (ca.1823),[13] Congress Square (ca.1832),[14] Tremont Row (ca.1838),[8] Cochituate Hall on Phillips Place (ca.1856),[15] Washington Street (ca.1861),[16] and West Street (ca.1868)[17] In addition to maintaining the library, the association arranged lectures "every winter, ... generously made free to the public, as well as to the members.

"[18] In 1839 John Quincy Adams delivered a lecture to the association on the topic of the late James Smithson's bequest "to the United States of America, to found at Washington, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.

A cabinet of minerals and curiosities has been commenced; an annual course of free lectures is supported by the institution; an elocution class has been formed, the exercises of which consist in the reading of original compositions, declamation, and debate.

[25] The library "was discontinued only when such action was made necessary by the lack of interest and patronage which was occasioned by the gradual abolition of the apprenticeship system.