c) Boston

The first public library in America was established in Boston. The Boston Public Library, founded in 1852, was the first large free municipal library in the United States. The library’s founding principle was that all citizens should have free access to information and knowledge. This innovative idea was revolutionary at the time and set a precedent for public libraries across the country. The Boston Public Library became a model for the American public library system, playing a crucial role in democratizing access to information and contributing to public education and literacy.