About the Library

The Nancy Hanks Lincoln Public Library opened worldwide to a global audience on October 5, 2014 coinciding with the 196th anniversary of the death of Nancy Hanks Lincoln in 1818. Created and founded by publisher Gary Brin, this site envisions a simple idea of a universal online library for a global (mostly English speaking) audience. Named in honor of President Lincoln’s beloved mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, for her devotion to education and learning, this library is dedicated to putting the best collections of books ever published (as well as other material) under one roof for the first time ever. However, every book published in Europe and the United States (both past and present) will not be made part of this library (whether available or not) just because it exists. Material selected for this library will be based on historical, educational or entertainment value, and not commercial or temporary popular value. Obviously everyone has their favorites but many of the specially selected titles that is (and will be) included in this library have not been seen publicly (in some cases) for centuries and are worth reading whether well-known or not. Reading enriches knowledge, and knowledge is power, so it is the goal of this library to make available as many titles as is possible in the coming years from public libraries (state and college) in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the hope that a worldwide audience will have the opportunity to and appreciate contributions that have come from published fiction and nonfiction works that inspired and still continue to inspire. Select titles published in other languages will be included in this library as well on occasion based on historical importance.