Ben Franklin, Democracy, and a Philadelphia Library

Self-educated Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) helped establish the first lending library in America in 1731 for the Junto social club in Philadelphia.

In his autobiography, Franklin tells us that Junto was for the “mutual improvement” of a group of his friends, who enjoyed weekly discussions and debates on “any point of morals, politics, or natural philosophy” that was “conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth.”  Members needed books to verify facts, improve general conversation, and better understand the issues of the day.

During the Colonial period, books were largely imported from Europe and costly.  Pooling resources, supported by annual fees paid by shareholders in a subscription library, meant books could be shared in common.  The model library Franklin envisioned was to evolve into the Library Company of Philadelphia and inspire creation of still more subscription libraries in the colonies.  This led to more public discussion about their inalienable rights and that power should derive from the consent of the governed. 

The Library Company, housed in Carpenter Hall, held virtually all significant works of political theory, history, law, and statecraft.  In 1774, Franklin permitted delegates of Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention, also located in Carpenter Hall, ready access to readings from these essential works.  Some members of the Library Company served as delegates to Continental Congress, and ten even signed the Declaration of Independence.

Library Company of Philadelphia, which began nearly 300 years ago, is still partially supported by subscriptions.  It contains a wealth of non-circulating American research collections spanning 17th through 19th centuries, and still supports in-depth exploration of our democracy.

Janet Butler Munch