[Hugin]

The absence of Bibles in the pews goes back to an early period in the Church when Catholics, other than the clergy, were not encouraged to read the Scriptures because the Church was concerned that the ordinary person would not understand or would misinterpret God’s word. Additionally, especially in the Middle Ages, heretical movements against the Church resulted in erroneous and corrupt interpretations.

That's one explanation. Another is they didn't want anyone else to be able to question whatever they told them was the word of God.

[MacMattico]

As far back as I know (my mom in the 1940’s) our local church has given out Bibles to those making their First Communion (2nd grade). My mother said this has always been the case. So to those saying we don't have Bibles at all, that's wrong.