Knowledge Revolution
Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of America's Oldest Lending Library
Benjamin Franklin founded America's first lending library, revolutionizing public access to knowledge.
Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most revered Founding Fathers, was not only a statesman, inventor, and diplomat but also a pioneer in the realm of public education and libraries. Among his many contributions to American society, Franklin's establishment of the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731 stands out as a transformative moment in the history of public access to knowledge.
The Genesis of the Library Company
The idea for the Library Company of Philadelphia was born out of Franklin's involvement with the Junto, a discussion group he founded in 1727. The Junto was composed of like-minded individuals who sought self-improvement through intellectual dialogue. However, the group often found their debates stymied by a lack of access to authoritative texts. Books were scarce and expensive in colonial America, making it difficult for individuals of moderate means to build personal libraries.
Recognizing this challenge, Franklin proposed a solution that was both innovative and pragmatic. He suggested that the members of the Junto pool their resources to create a shared library. This idea materialized on July 1, 1731, when Franklin and his fellow Junto members drew up articles of agreement to establish the Library Company of Philadelphia. Each member contributed 40 shillings initially and agreed to pay an annual subscription of ten shillings thereafter.
A Revolutionary Concept
The Library Company of Philadelphia was revolutionary in several ways. It was the first successful lending library in America and operated on a subscription basis, allowing members to purchase shares in the library. This model not only made books more accessible but also created a sense of shared intellectual wealth. Members could pass their shares down to their descendants, ensuring that the library's benefits extended across generations.
Franklin's vision for the library was inclusive. Although initially, the library's membership was composed largely of male artisans, it soon began to allow non-shareholders to borrow books for a small fee. This broadened access to knowledge and set a precedent for future public libraries.
The Library's Early Years
The Library Company's first collection focused on practical subjects such as science, history, and literature, reflecting the interests of its members. The first librarian, Louis Timothee, was America's first professional librarian, though his tenure was brief. Franklin himself took over the librarian duties temporarily until a permanent replacement was found.
In 1741, the library's catalog listed 372 titles, a significant number for the time. The collection continued to grow, and by 1770, it had expanded to over 2,000 books. The library's holdings included important works on political theory, law, and statecraft, many of which influenced the framers of the American Constitution.
A Hub of Intellectual Activity
The Library Company quickly became a hub of intellectual activity in Philadelphia. It served as a de facto Library of Congress from the Revolutionary War until 1800, when the national capital moved to Washington, D.C. The library's resources were made available to members of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, underscoring its importance in the early political life of the United States.
The library also played a role in scientific inquiry. Its collection included scientific apparatus such as microscopes and telescopes, which were frequently borrowed by members. In 1769, for example, Owen Biddle used the library's telescope to observe the transit of Venus.
Legacy and Continuing Mission
Today, the Library Company of Philadelphia stands as America's oldest cultural institution and continues to operate as an independent research library. Its mission remains rooted in Franklin's original vision: to foster scholarship and increase public understanding of American history. The library's extensive collection includes rare books, manuscripts, prints, and photographs, making it a valuable resource for researchers and the general public alike.
The Library Company's enduring legacy is a testament to Franklin's belief in the power of knowledge and education. As Franklin himself noted in his autobiography, the library "improved the general conversation of the Americans" and made "the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries." This democratization of knowledge laid the groundwork for the public library system we know today.
Benjamin Franklin's founding of the Library Company of Philadelphia was a landmark achievement that transformed access to knowledge in America. By creating a shared repository of books and fostering a culture of intellectual inquiry, Franklin not only enriched the lives of his contemporaries but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and educate future generations.