Acts and Resolves Passed by the General Court of Massachusetts…
“ Public library in Boston;Section 1. The city of Boston is hereby authorized to establish and maintain a public library, for the use of the inhabitants of the said city; and the city council of the said city may, from time to time, make such rules and regulations, for the care and maintenance thereof, as they may deem proper:no appropriations to exceed $5,000 annually. ”
