We recently took part in an event to mark the publication of Out of the Window at the impressive Portico Library (est. 1806, above) in Manchester. Perhaps unbeknownst to many, there is still a good number of independent literary, scientific and philosophical libraries funded by subscription which were established between 1768 and 1841, at a time when there were no public libraries and only four university libraries. So this week we are celebrating their continued existence as havens of "inspiration and ideas, hospitality, companionship, conviviality and refreshment", as the Independent Libraries Association puts it.