The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) serves 2.6 million residents in Brooklyn. The library maintains almost four million volumes and circulates 19.2 million items per year. Founded in 1896, BPL arose when the Brooklyn Common Council passed a resolution for a public library. Additionally, BPL is a well-known leader in cultural activities, literacy, after-school programming, career development initiatives, and digital literacy, and is named the sixteenth largest public library system for being in the Top 7 in terms of visitors. BPL offers a democratic space where patrons of all economic standing can avail themselves and their children of cultural and educational programs in a wide range of disciplines in a borough where there is significant economic disparity and where the cost of necessities frequently takes precedence over spending on opportunities for cultural enrichment.