American Seamen's Friend Society

Established in New York City in 1826. "To improve the social and moral condition of seamen, by uniting the efforts of the wise and good in their behalf; by promoting in every port boarding houses of good character, savings banks, register offices, libraries, museums, reading rooms and schools; and also the ministrations of the gospel, and other religious blessings." In 1857 began the loan library program seriously and by 1930 had sent out over 30,000 libraries for use on shipboard. The society was dissolved in 1986.