Ancient Roman Libraries
The benefit of public libraries allows citizens (perhaps even non-citizens) to enrich and ameliorate their life and position (in life) through free resources. For a society, community, or civilization to truly thrive – all persons should have the ability to thrive. The first public Library, The Library of Ashurbanipal, was established in the seventh century BCE in Assyria.
Rome’s public libraries did not open until the late first century BCE. During the reign of Augustus, the Temple of Apollo, the Atrium of Liberty and the Porticus of Octavia served as public libraries in Rome. However, the emperor still maintained control over the libraries’ contents.