Early location of America’s first subscription library.
In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and his Junto buddies “crowdfunded” the Library Company of Philadelphia through paying subscribers with lending privileges. The contemporary building is a mid-20th century reproduction of the Library’s 1790 structure. The Library moved from this location to the city’s center in 1880 and today houses an exemplary historical collection of books and assets. Why do you think Franklin is wearing a toga in the statue above the main entrance?
Discover Philadelphia’s hidden history and how faith has guided liberty toward justice with our curated ecosystem of trails that explore the city’s must-see sites!
