OK, so here’s one of the stories about the first real ‘public’ library in the US (there are a few that claim the title, don’t worry I’ll check them all out).. This library is in Franklin, Massachusetts and began way back in 1778. Apparently the original citizens of the town were were so enamoured with Ben Franklin that they decided to name their town after him (it was originally named Exeter). When they incorporated in 1778 they asked Ben to donate a bell for their church steeple and he responded by saying that “sense” was better than “sound” and shipped off several volumes of books! Typical Franklin, always full of good ideas and a witty comment.
The town proceeded to have a big argument about who should be allowed to use these precious books and in 1790, at a town meeting, they decided to let all Franklin residents borrow the books, free of charge. TA DA, a public library! The original books are still in Franklin, MA in the reading gallery. The current library building is a massive Greek revival building, located at 118 Main Street in Franklin, donated in 1904 by the Ray family. Fortunately, the family also set up a fund to maintain the building. The library was renovated in 1987 and offers free tours or you can enjoy an in depth virtual tour online!
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