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Founded as a library in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company of Philadelphia has accumulated one of the most significant collections of historically valuable manuscripts and printed material in the United States.
From the Revolutionary War until 1800, the Library Company served as the first de facto Library of Congress while the federal government was in Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin and a group of friends founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731 when Franklin was 25 years old. It was America's first lending library and can lay claim to being the predecessor of the free public library.
After the Free Library of Philadelphia was chartered in 1891, the Library Company’s public role faded further and its purpose grew marginal. The Great Depression diminished the endowment, and during World War II the library briefly operated as a branch of the Free Library.
- First Books
- Early Members
- Library Hours
- On The Move
Many of the earliest books in the Library's collection were either religious or educational tomes. But not all. As can be seen from other books donated by the Company's first members, there was an interest in politics, philosophy and business. Benjamin Franklin and others donated a number of works including A Collection of Several Pieces by John Lo...
A crucial figure in the early history of the company was Peter Collinson, a learned Londoner, who was also a letter-writing acquaintance of Benjamin Franklin. For many years Collinson was the volunteer purchasing agent for the Company, not only buying the Library's books but making invaluable recommendations. Another important position within the L...
Benjamin Franklin printed the oldest surviving catalogue of the Library Company's holdings which dates to 1741. There were books on history, geography, poetry, exploration, and science. Now, only about 10% of the books were devoted to theology — this in stark contrast to college libraries at the time. And where many university libraries or private ...
In addition to books, the Company also built up an impressive collection of curiosities and antiques which included: Coins, fossils, geological specimens, flora and fauna, as well as scientific instruments. In 1739, John Penn sent an air pump to the Company and a cabinet was commissioned to hold the pump. Soon the librarian's lodgings were insuffic...
The Library Company grew, collecting books and other materials, including a mummy’s hand, a telescope, a microscope, coins and fossils. The expanding collection changed locations several times, until 1966, when it found a home on Locust Street.
People also ask
Who founded the Library Company of Philadelphia?
When did the Library Company become a public library?
What was the first public library in America?
When did Benjamin Franklin start a library?
Did libraries exist before the ALA?
When did the Library of Philadelphia become a library?
1731. Libraries existed in America before the establishment of the ALA. The first public library in the U.S. is contested, but there are three generally accepted answers. The first is the Library Company of Philadelphia which was founded in November 1731 by Benjamin Franklin.
