The Young Men’s Association was organized in Milwaukee in 1847 and the group’s
membership supported a reading room and library for members. Supported by
memberships and profits from local lectures, the association became an established
institution. After the Civil War, memberships and interest waned, causing a
financial deficit. In 1878 the Young Men’s Association turned its 10,000 volume
library over to the city of Milwaukee, forming the nucleus of the Milwaukee Public
Library.
