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The Bridgeport Public Library serves as the Principal Public Library for the City of Bridgeport, the largest municipality in Connecticut. A city of 140,000 residents in 16 square miles, Bridgeport is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. The City's racial and ethic composition has shifted dramatically over the last two decades. With the onset of middle and upper class white flight to the suburbs in the 1950's there was a decline in the City's population that lasted well into the 1970's. During the 1970's the trend began to slow and by the 1980's the City's population had declined by only 860 residents as compared to 14,000 residents during the 1970's. While 15,000 white residents moved elsewhere during the 1980's an almost equal number of minority residents replaced them, with 9,000 of that number recent immigrants. As an urban library, the Bridgeport Public Library has an essential role to play in improving the quality of life for city residents and contributing to core city revitalization. The Library developed a new long range plan which was adopted by the Library's Board of Directors in November 2000. The Mission Statement is:We believe that libraries can change people's lives and are a cornerstone of our democracy. The Bridgeport Public Library provides opportunities for our residents and taxpayers to pursue lifelong learning, cultural and economic enrichment and enjoyment. To accomplish this mission, we offer free and open access to creative works, knowledge and information from diverse perspectives. The Library is a department of the City of Bridgeport. Statutory authority for governance lies with a Board of Directors whose appointment is confirmed by the City Council. The City Librarian is hired by, and reports to the Library Board of Directors. Responsibility for development of the Bridgeport Working web site lies with the staff of the Library's Historical Collections. The Historical Collections is a local history collection, which includes materials relating to the history of Bridgeport, Connecticut and the area. Materials in the collection include books on local history, manuscript material, photographs, genealogy information, and special collections on P.T. Barnum and the circus. The Department Head of the Historical Collections has significant latitude and experience in dealing with issues related to the Library's extensive collections of local history. The Bridgeport Public Library has received grants from the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Connecticut State Library's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program, and several private foundations.