We all remember Ben Franklin for his acts as a patriot and Founding Father. But did you know that on July 1, 1731, he started the first circulating library?
It was on this day in 1731 that Ben Franklin founded the first circulating library, a forerunner to the now ubiquitous free public library. He started it as a way to help settle intellectual arguments among his group of Philadelphia friends, the Junto, a group of civic-minded individuals gathered together to discuss the important issues of their day.
Each of the 50 charter members bought an initial share into the company (40 shillings), which helped fund the buying of books, and then paid a smaller yearly fee (10 shillings) that went to buying more books and maintaining the library. In exchange, the members could borrow any of the books. Donations of books were gladly accepted.
They called their charter the Library Company of Philadelphia, and the next year, Franklin hired America’s first librarian, Louis Timothee. At first, the books were stored at the librarian’s house, but by the end of the decade, they were moved to the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall.
Text from the Writer’s Almanac, improved with links from librarian.net.
Monday, 6. July 2009
Man, the more I learn about Ben Franklin, the more amazing he becomes. I read an extensive biography on him just a few years ago and they didn’t even mention him starting the first library. I’d say it’s a pretty big deal, starting the public library system, but I guess they ommited it for some reason.
Monday, 6. July 2009
I do like Ben Franklin. Establishing a library to get people to quit bickering and have intelligent discussions? What a role model!
Friday, 14. August 2009
Ben Franklin was one of the most amazing persons who ever existed I think. I only wish we did more to commemorate him and the life he lived. We could all learn a lot from his example.