The Birth of the Junto
In 1727, Benjamin Franklin established the Junto, a Philadelphia-based group focused on intellectual discussions. Franklin, a self-educated man, believed in the power of shared knowledge, but he saw the need for more reliable sources of information to support these debates.
The First Lending Library
In 1731, Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first lending library in America. His idea was simple but innovative: members would purchase shares to fund the library, allowing them access to books. Initially, it served mostly artisans, but it quickly expanded, allowing non-shareholders to borrow books for a small fee.
A Model for Democracy
By 1771, Franklin reflected on the library’s importance, noting how it had improved American discourse. He believed it made common tradesmen and farmers as well-informed as gentlemen from other countries. The Library Company also functioned as the de facto Library of Congress while the U.S. government was in Philadelphia.
A Lasting Institution
Still operational today, the Library Company remains free and open to the public, maintaining its mission of fostering education. Its collection includes Franklin’s original copy of Logic, or, the Art of Thinking, showcasing its deep historical roots.
How Benjamin Franklin Invented the First Public Library in America 📚
The Birth of the Junto
In 1727, Benjamin Franklin established the Junto, a Philadelphia-based group focused on intellectual discussions. Franklin, a self-educated man, believed in the power of shared… pic.twitter.com/EJEBGFwEfw— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) October 17, 2024