into a public library, which was the first structure in America to be recognized as a library for the public. Benjamin Franklin, who was instrumental in establishing the first subscription library in North America, was the owner of a private library of considerable proportions. This clandestine miscellanea is not well known, though a contemporary of Franklin, a certain Manasseh Cutler, observed this library firsthand. Cutler noted, "It is a very large chamber and high studded. The walls were covered with book shelves filled with books; besides there are four large alcoves, extending two-thirds of the length of the chamber, filled in the same manner. I presume this is the largest and by far the best, private library in America". There are no extant catalogs of what treasures were held in Franklin's library; however, his will contained a register which included some 4,726 titles. Modern era Private libraries in the hands of individuals have become more numerous with the introduction of paperback books. Some nonprofit organizations maintain special libraries, which are often made available to librarians and researchers. Law firms and hospitals often maintain either a law or medical library for staff use. Additionally, corporations maintain libraries that specialize in collections pertaining to research specific to the areas of concern to that organization. Scientific establishments within academia and industry have libraries to support scientists and researchers. These libraries are may not be open to the public. Library (domestic room) The word library also refers to a room in a private house in which books are kept. Generally, it is a relatively large room that is open to all family members and household guests, in contrast to a study, which also often contains a collection of books but is usually a private space intended to be used by one person. Famous private libraries Queen Elizabeth II's library in Windsor castle Tianyi Pavilion – the oldest private library in Asia; located in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China Library of Sir Thomas Browne disposed of by auction in 1711 Bibliotheca Lindesiana Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman Library located in Aligarh, India Library of the History of Human Imagination, Jay Walker's private library in Ridgefield, CT The Library of Rudolf Steiner George Washington Vanderbilt's library in Biltmore Estate See also Book collecting References Further reading Byers, Reid (2021) The Private Library: The History of the Architecture and Furnishing of the Domestic Bookroom: New Castle, Delaware, Oak Knoll Press.