How to Form a Library, 2nd ed

"How to Form a Library, 2nd ed." by Henry B. Wheatley is a helpful book about creating libraries, probably from the late 1800s, giving tips for making both public and personal collections. It's for people who love books and people running libraries. Wheatley talks about how libraries changed over time and gives advice on picking out books, organizing them, and running the library. It helps anyone who wants to learn about libraries or collect books. The book starts by talking about why we need a guide on making libraries, saying that older books aren't as helpful anymore. In the beginning, Wheatley mentions famous book collectors from the past, like Richard de Bury and Petrarch, to show that collecting books is easier now than it used to be. He then talks about the different parts of the book, which will cover things like buying books, starting different kinds of libraries, making lists of books, and choosing books that are good for the library. This introduction helps readers understand why it's important and complicated to create a library that is useful for both individuals and the community.