In 1817, the New York Society Library, which would later become part of the New York Public Library, was officially established in New York City. This library aimed to provide access to literature and knowledge for the public, reflecting the growing importance of literacy and education in American society. The establishment of such institutions played a crucial role in fostering a culture of reading and writing, which would influence poets and writers in the burgeoning literary scene of the United States.

The establishment of the New York Society Library contributed to a more literate society, allowing poets like Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson access to a wider range of texts and ideas. This environment encouraged the development of new poetic forms and themes, particularly in the context of American identity and experience. The library became a vital resource for literary figures, shaping the landscape of American poetry in the 19th century.