Library Company of Philadelphia

Definition

The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and a group of his associates, is one of the oldest lending libraries in the United States. It played a crucial role in promoting the Enlightenment values of knowledge, reason, and civic engagement through its extensive collection of books and resources that encouraged intellectual growth and public discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Library Company started with just fifty books and was intended as a subscription library where members could borrow books for personal use.
2. Benjamin Franklin believed that access to knowledge was essential for a well-informed citizenry and established the library to support this belief.
3. The Library Company provided resources not only for leisure reading but also for education and civic responsibility, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.
4. It served as a model for future libraries across America and was instrumental in the spread of literacy and learning during the colonial period.
5. Today, the Library Company remains a research library with a focus on American history and culture, housing a significant collection of rare books and manuscripts.

Review Questions

• How did Benjamin Franklin's vision for the Library Company of Philadelphia reflect the principles of the Enlightenment?
  • Benjamin Franklin's vision for the Library Company of Philadelphia was deeply rooted in Enlightenment principles, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, reason, and civic engagement. By creating a space where individuals could access books and resources, Franklin aimed to foster an informed citizenry capable of critical thinking and public discourse. This initiative aligned with Enlightenment ideals that valued education as a means to empower individuals and promote social progress.
• Discuss the impact of the Library Company of Philadelphia on American literacy and education during its early years.
  • The Library Company of Philadelphia significantly impacted American literacy and education by providing access to a diverse range of books for its members. Its establishment encouraged reading among the public, promoting literacy as a key component of an informed society. By offering educational resources, it helped cultivate a culture of learning that aligned with Enlightenment values, ultimately contributing to the intellectual foundation necessary for democratic engagement in colonial America.
• Evaluate how the founding of the Library Company of Philadelphia influenced later developments in public libraries in America.
  • The founding of the Library Company of Philadelphia set a precedent for future public libraries by demonstrating the importance of accessible knowledge for all citizens. Its subscription model evolved into a broader movement advocating for publicly funded libraries that would serve diverse communities. This shift towards public libraries highlighted the growing recognition of literacy as a public good, paving the way for increased government support and funding for libraries in the 19th century, thus expanding access to information and education across America.

Related terms

Benjamin Franklin:

A leading figure of the American Enlightenment, Franklin was a polymath known for his contributions to science, politics, and literature, as well as for founding the Library Company of Philadelphia.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional doctrines, significantly influencing American thought and culture.

Public Library Movement: A movement in the 19th century that aimed to establish publicly funded libraries accessible to all citizens, promoting literacy and education in society.