200 years of shared knowledge

200 years of shared knowledge
Salem Athenaeum’s model faces modern challenges: Since 1810, Salem-area residents have paid for subscriptions to the athenaeum – one of only about 16 membership libraries left in the United States – and have welcomed nonmembers to read free of charge. A 50,000-volume collection testifies to the membership’s evolving, idiosyncratic passions for topics from theology to botany and world travel.

Now as the athenaeum enters its third century, this historic institution faces sobering challenges to its venerable traditions.