Library Company of Philadelphia - Revision history

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	'''The Library Company of Philadelphia''' is the oldest cultural institution in America, founded by '''Benjamin Franklin''' in '''1731''' as the colonies' first successful lending library. What began as a subscription library for Philadelphia's "leather-apron men" (skilled artisans like Franklin himself) evolved into a major research library holding over 500,000 books, pamphlets, and graphics documenting American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries.<ref name="lcp">{{cite web \|url=https://www.librarycompany.org/about/ \|title=About the Library Company \|publisher=Library Company of Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>		'''The Library Company of Philadelphia''' is the oldest cultural institution in America, founded by '''[https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin]''' in '''1731''' as the colonies' first successful lending library. What began as a subscription library for Philadelphia's "leather-apron men" (skilled artisans like Franklin himself) evolved into a major research library holding over 500,000 books, pamphlets, and graphics documenting American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries.<ref name="lcp">{{cite web \|url=https://www.librarycompany.org/about/ \|title=About the Library Company \|publisher=Library Company of Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

	The Library Company served as the de facto Library of Congress until 1800, when the national collection moved to Washington. Today, it functions as an independent research library, open free of charge to anyone interested in studying its remarkable collections, which include Benjamin Franklin's personal library, rare Americana, early African American history, and extensive visual materials.<ref name="visit">{{cite web \|url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/library-company-of-philadelphia/ \|title=Library Company of Philadelphia \|publisher=Visit Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>		The Library Company served as the de facto Library of Congress until 1800, when the national collection moved to Washington. Today, it functions as an independent research library, open free of charge to anyone interested in studying its remarkable collections, which include Benjamin Franklin's personal library, rare Americana, early African American history, and extensive visual materials.<ref name="visit">{{cite web \|url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/library-company-of-philadelphia/ \|title=Library Company of Philadelphia \|publisher=Visit Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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	\| website = https://www.librarycompany.org		\| website = https://www.librarycompany.org
	\| established = 1731		\| established = 1731
	\| founder = Benjamin Franklin		\| founder = [https://biography.wiki/b/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin]
	\| director = Michael J. Barsanti		\| director = Michael J. Barsanti
	\| collections = 500,000+ books and graphics		\| collections = 500,000+ books and graphics

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{{Infobox Museum
| name = Library Company of Philadelphia
| image =
| image_caption = Library Company of Philadelphia
| type = Research library, museum
| address = 1314 Locust Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9473,-75.1631
| phone = (215) 546-3181
| website = https://www.librarycompany.org
| established = 1731
| founder = Benjamin Franklin
| director = Michael J. Barsanti
| collections = 500,000+ books and graphics
| visitors = Research library
| hours = Mon-Fri 9 AM - 4:45 PM
}}

'''The Library Company of Philadelphia''' is the oldest cultural institution in America, founded by '''Benjamin Franklin''' in '''1731''' as the colonies' first successful lending library. What began as a subscription library for Philadelphia's "leather-apron men" (skilled artisans like Franklin himself) evolved into a major research library holding over 500,000 books, pamphlets, and graphics documenting American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries.<ref name="lcp">{{cite web |url=https://www.librarycompany.org/about/ |title=About the Library Company |publisher=Library Company of Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The Library Company served as the de facto Library of Congress until 1800, when the national collection moved to Washington. Today, it functions as an independent research library, open free of charge to anyone interested in studying its remarkable collections, which include Benjamin Franklin's personal library, rare Americana, early African American history, and extensive visual materials.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/library-company-of-philadelphia/ |title=Library Company of Philadelphia |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Franklin's Vision ===

In '''1731''', Benjamin Franklin and a group of fellow tradesmen established the Library Company:
* Each member contributed to buy books
* Books were shared among members
* The model was revolutionary: collective access to knowledge
* It was America's first successful subscription library

Franklin called it "the mother of all the North American subscription libraries."

=== Growth ===

The library grew rapidly:
* Moved through several locations
* Acquired important collections
* Received donations of significant materials
* Served Philadelphia's intellectual community

=== Library of Congress Role ===

From 1774 to 1800:
* The Continental Congress and later Congress used the Library Company
* It was effectively the national library
* Members included Washington, Jefferson, and other founders
* This role ended when the Library of Congress was established (1800)

=== Current Building ===

The Library Company has occupied its current building at 1314 Locust Street since '''1966'''.

== Collections ==

=== Size and Scope ===

* '''500,000+ printed items:''' Books, pamphlets, newspapers
* '''160,000+ graphics:''' Prints, photographs, drawings
* '''75,000+ manuscripts'''
* Focus: American history and culture, 17th-19th centuries

=== Notable Collections ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Collection !! Description
|-
| '''Franklin Collection''' || Benjamin Franklin's personal library and papers
|-
| '''African Americana''' || Largest collection of pre-1900 African American imprints
|-
| '''Print and Photo Collection''' || Visual documentation of American history
|-
| '''Early American Imprints''' || Books printed before 1820
|-
| '''Women's History''' || Materials on American women's experiences
|}

=== Research Strengths ===

* American Revolution
* 18th-century culture
* African American history before 1900
* Philadelphia history
* Book history and printing
* Visual culture

== Using the Library ==

=== Access ===

The Library Company is a '''research library''', not a circulating public library:
* Open to all researchers free of charge
* Materials used on-site in reading room
* No appointment needed for most materials
* Staff assistance available

=== Hours ===

* '''Monday-Friday:''' 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
* '''Closed:''' Weekends and holidays

=== Registration ===

* Reader registration required (free and simple)
* Bring photo ID
* Staff will orient you to procedures

=== Research Services ===

* Reference assistance
* Reproduction services
* Digitized materials online

== Exhibitions and Programs ==

=== Exhibitions ===

The Library Company presents exhibitions drawn from its collections:
* Gallery exhibitions
* Online exhibitions
* Related publications

=== Public Programs ===

* Lectures and talks
* Symposia and conferences
* Exhibitions and receptions

=== Fellowships ===

The Library Company offers research fellowships:
* Short-term and long-term
* For scholars in relevant fields
* Support use of collections

== Visiting the Library ==

=== Location ===

1314 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Walnut-Locust Station
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Suburban Station (10-minute walk)
* '''Walking:''' Between 13th and Broad Streets on Locust
* '''Parking:''' Nearby garages

=== Tips ===

* The Library Company is primarily for researchers
* Exhibitions are open to casual visitors
* The Franklin collection is remarkable
* Call ahead if you have research questions

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Historical Society of Pennsylvania]] (across the street)
* [[Academy of Music]] (2 blocks)
* [[Kimmel Center]] (2 blocks)
* [[Avenue of the Arts]]

== See Also ==

* [[Benjamin Franklin]]
* [[American Philosophical Society]]
* [[Historical Society of Pennsylvania]]
* [[Libraries in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.librarycompany.org Library Company of Philadelphia Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/library-company-of-philadelphia/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Library Company of Philadelphia - Benjamin Franklin's Library
|description=Visit the Library Company of Philadelphia, America's oldest cultural institution, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731. Research library with 500,000+ items on American history and culture.
|keywords=Library Company of Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin library, research library Philadelphia, American history, rare books, African Americana, colonial library
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Libraries]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin]]
[[Category:Research Institutions]]