The Public Libraries Act of 1850 was a groundbreaking law passed by the UK Parliament that allowed local boroughs to set up free public libraries. It represented the first major move toward building a national system that guaranteed people open access to books and information. The Act is often seen as a key milestone in the growth of social education and mirrored the era’s strong belief in moral improvement and learning.
At first, the Act applied only to England and Wales, but it formed the basis for later laws that widened its reach and strengthened its powers. Over time, these developments helped shape a vast network of public libraries across the UK. The Act’s introduction signaled a clear commitment to promoting knowledge, self-betterment, and cultural opportunity for people from every social background.
The "heads" or obverse side features the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley as seen here:
