Where was the first public library in the United States? Where was the first public library in the United States? It was in Pennsylvania, and was founded by Benjamin Franklin and some of his intellectual friends. During his time in Philadelphia, Ben Franklin engaged in many public projects, and submitted many proposals to improve the city. At one point, he and his acquaintances pooled their books to create a shared collection, which formed the basis for the first subscription library in America. Founded in 1731, it was chartered in 1742 as the Library Company of Philadelphia. Library subscriptions provided funds to buy books that then could circulate among subscribers. Franklin also published many of his own writings, including the immensely popular Poor Richard's Almanack, a collection of practical advice and humorous sayings that captured the spirit of colonial America.
|
