The Franklin Public Library in Franklin, Massachusetts is America’s first lending library.

The Franklin Public Library in Franklin, Massachusetts is America’s first lending library. In 1778, when the town was incorporated, the designated name Exeter was changed to Franklin in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. When asked to donate a bell, Franklin responded with an offer of books for the town’s residents, acknowledging that “sense” was preferable to “sound.” The original Franklin collection is still housed in a bookcase in the library.*

Franklin Public Library is the first and oldest public lending library in continuous existence in the United States. It was founded in 1790 in Franklin, Massachusetts with a donation of books from Benjamin Franklin. Wikipedia

 118 Main St, Franklin, MA 02038

Hours:

Open ⋅ Closes 8 PM

Phone: (508) 520-4941

Founded: 1790

Director: Felicia Oti