Library Company of Philadelphia: Difference between revisions
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'''The Library Company of Philadelphia''' is | '''The Library Company of Philadelphia''' is America's oldest cultural institution. '''[https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin]''' founded it in '''1731''' as the colonies' first successful lending library. What started as a subscription library for Philadelphia's "leather-apron men" (skilled artisans like Franklin) has become 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> | ||
From 1774 to 1800, the Library Company served as the de facto Library of Congress. When the national collection moved to Washington, that role ended. Today, it operates as an independent research library, free to anyone wanting to study its remarkable collections. You'll find Benjamin Franklin's personal library here, along with 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 == | == History == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
=== Franklin's Vision === | === Franklin's Vision === | ||
In '''1731''', Benjamin Franklin and a group of fellow tradesmen | In '''1731''', Benjamin Franklin and a group of fellow tradesmen started something new: | ||
* Each member contributed to buy books | * Each member contributed money to buy books | ||
* Books were shared among members | * Books were shared among members | ||
* The model was revolutionary: collective access to knowledge | * The model was revolutionary: collective access to knowledge | ||
* It was America's first successful subscription library | * It was America's first successful subscription library | ||
Franklin called it "the mother of all the North American subscription libraries." | Franklin called it "the mother of all the North American subscription libraries." That phrase captures what he'd built. Not just a library, but a template. | ||
=== Growth === | === Growth === | ||
The library | The library didn't stay small for long. It moved through several locations as it acquired important collections and received donations of significant materials. Philadelphia's intellectual community depended on it. By the late 18th century, the Library Company wasn't just important to the city. It mattered to the nation. | ||
=== Library of Congress Role === | === Library of Congress Role === | ||
From 1774 to 1800 | Here's where things got interesting. From 1774 to 1800, the Continental Congress and later Congress used the Library Company as their research facility. It was effectively the national library. Washington, Jefferson, and other founders walked through these doors. That role ended when the Library of Congress was established in 1800, but for nearly three decades, this Philadelphia institution was where American government went for answers. | ||
=== Current Building === | === Current Building === | ||
| Line 57: | Line 49: | ||
=== Size and Scope === | === Size and Scope === | ||
The numbers alone tell part of the story: | |||
* '''500,000+ printed items:''' Books, pamphlets, newspapers | * '''500,000+ printed items:''' Books, pamphlets, newspapers | ||
* '''160,000+ graphics:''' Prints, photographs, drawings | * '''160,000+ graphics:''' Prints, photographs, drawings | ||
* '''75,000+ manuscripts''' | * '''75,000+ manuscripts''' | ||
* Focus: American history and culture, 17th-19th centuries | * Focus: American history and culture, 17th-19th centuries | ||
What makes these collections special isn't just their size. It's their depth in specific areas that other institutions don't always emphasize. | |||
=== Notable Collections === | === Notable Collections === | ||
| Line 80: | Line 75: | ||
=== Research Strengths === | === Research Strengths === | ||
Scholars come here for specific things: | |||
* American Revolution | * American Revolution | ||
* 18th-century culture | * 18th-century culture | ||
| Line 86: | Line 82: | ||
* Book history and printing | * Book history and printing | ||
* Visual culture | * Visual culture | ||
The African Americana collection, in particular, stands out. You won't find a larger collection of pre-1900 African American imprints anywhere. | |||
== Using the Library == | == Using the Library == | ||
| Line 91: | Line 89: | ||
=== Access === | === Access === | ||
The Library Company is a | First, understand what this place is. The Library Company is a research library, not a circulating public library. You can't check books out and take them home. That said: | ||
* | * It's open to all researchers free of charge | ||
* Materials used on-site in reading room | * Materials are used on-site in the reading room | ||
* | * Most materials don't require an appointment | ||
* Staff assistance available | * Staff assistance is available | ||
=== Hours === | === Hours === | ||
| Line 101: | Line 99: | ||
* '''Monday-Friday:''' 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM | * '''Monday-Friday:''' 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM | ||
* '''Closed:''' Weekends and holidays | * '''Closed:''' Weekends and holidays | ||
Pretty straightforward. But call ahead if you've got complicated questions. | |||
=== Registration === | === Registration === | ||
Getting in takes about five minutes. Reader registration is required (and free). Bring your photo ID. Staff will walk you through their procedures and point you toward what you need. | |||
=== Research Services === | === Research Services === | ||
Beyond just letting you sit and read, they offer: | |||
* Reference assistance | * Reference assistance | ||
* Reproduction services | * Reproduction services | ||
| Line 118: | Line 117: | ||
=== Exhibitions === | === Exhibitions === | ||
The Library Company | The Library Company doesn't just archive. It shows its work. They present exhibitions drawn from the collections: | ||
* Gallery exhibitions | * Gallery exhibitions | ||
* Online exhibitions | * Online exhibitions | ||
* Related publications | * Related publications | ||
These exhibitions change regularly, so it's worth checking their website before you visit. | |||
=== Public Programs === | === Public Programs === | ||
Throughout the year they run: | |||
* Lectures and talks | * Lectures and talks | ||
* Symposia and conferences | * Symposia and conferences | ||
* Exhibitions and receptions | * Exhibitions and receptions | ||
These programs aren't just for academics. Anyone can attend. | |||
=== Fellowships === | === Fellowships === | ||
The Library Company offers research fellowships | If you're a serious scholar, they want you to spend real time with these collections. The Library Company offers research fellowships for both short-term and long-term projects. If your work fits their strengths, they'll support you. | ||
== Visiting the Library == | == Visiting the Library == | ||
| Line 140: | Line 141: | ||
=== Location === | === Location === | ||
1314 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia | 1314 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia. That's between 13th and Broad Streets. | ||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
You've got options. Take SEPTA's Broad Street Line to Walnut-Locust Station. Or use the Regional Rail to Suburban Station, which is about a 10-minute walk. Walking from anywhere in Center City works too. For parking, nearby garages are your best bet. | |||
=== Tips === | === Tips === | ||
Remember: this is primarily for researchers. Exhibitions are open to casual visitors, and the Franklin collection alone is worth seeing. If you've got specific research questions, call ahead. | |||
=== Nearby Attractions === | === Nearby Attractions === | ||
| Line 162: | Line 157: | ||
* [[Kimmel Center]] (2 blocks) | * [[Kimmel Center]] (2 blocks) | ||
* [[Avenue of the Arts]] | * [[Avenue of the Arts]] | ||
The neighborhood's packed with history and culture. | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Latest revision as of 21:23, 23 April 2026
| Type | Research library, museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1314 Locust Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Center City |
| Phone | (215) 546-3181 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1731 |
| Founder | Benjamin Franklin |
| Director | Michael J. Barsanti |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9 AM - 4:45 PM |
The Library Company of Philadelphia is America's oldest cultural institution. Benjamin Franklin founded it in 1731 as the colonies' first successful lending library. What started as a subscription library for Philadelphia's "leather-apron men" (skilled artisans like Franklin) has become a major research library holding over 500,000 books, pamphlets, and graphics documenting American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries.[1]
From 1774 to 1800, the Library Company served as the de facto Library of Congress. When the national collection moved to Washington, that role ended. Today, it operates as an independent research library, free to anyone wanting to study its remarkable collections. You'll find Benjamin Franklin's personal library here, along with rare Americana, early African American history, and extensive visual materials.[2]
History
Franklin's Vision
In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and a group of fellow tradesmen started something new:
- Each member contributed money 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." That phrase captures what he'd built. Not just a library, but a template.
Growth
The library didn't stay small for long. It moved through several locations as it acquired important collections and received donations of significant materials. Philadelphia's intellectual community depended on it. By the late 18th century, the Library Company wasn't just important to the city. It mattered to the nation.
Library of Congress Role
Here's where things got interesting. From 1774 to 1800, the Continental Congress and later Congress used the Library Company as their research facility. It was effectively the national library. Washington, Jefferson, and other founders walked through these doors. That role ended when the Library of Congress was established in 1800, but for nearly three decades, this Philadelphia institution was where American government went for answers.
Current Building
The Library Company has occupied its current building at 1314 Locust Street since 1966.
Collections
Size and Scope
The numbers alone tell part of the story:
- 500,000+ printed items: Books, pamphlets, newspapers
- 160,000+ graphics: Prints, photographs, drawings
- 75,000+ manuscripts
- Focus: American history and culture, 17th-19th centuries
What makes these collections special isn't just their size. It's their depth in specific areas that other institutions don't always emphasize.
Notable Collections
| 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
Scholars come here for specific things:
- American Revolution
- 18th-century culture
- African American history before 1900
- Philadelphia history
- Book history and printing
- Visual culture
The African Americana collection, in particular, stands out. You won't find a larger collection of pre-1900 African American imprints anywhere.
Using the Library
Access
First, understand what this place is. The Library Company is a research library, not a circulating public library. You can't check books out and take them home. That said:
- It's open to all researchers free of charge
- Materials are used on-site in the reading room
- Most materials don't require an appointment
- Staff assistance is available
Hours
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM
- Closed: Weekends and holidays
Pretty straightforward. But call ahead if you've got complicated questions.
Registration
Getting in takes about five minutes. Reader registration is required (and free). Bring your photo ID. Staff will walk you through their procedures and point you toward what you need.
Research Services
Beyond just letting you sit and read, they offer:
- Reference assistance
- Reproduction services
- Digitized materials online
Exhibitions and Programs
Exhibitions
The Library Company doesn't just archive. It shows its work. They present exhibitions drawn from the collections:
- Gallery exhibitions
- Online exhibitions
- Related publications
These exhibitions change regularly, so it's worth checking their website before you visit.
Public Programs
Throughout the year they run:
- Lectures and talks
- Symposia and conferences
- Exhibitions and receptions
These programs aren't just for academics. Anyone can attend.
Fellowships
If you're a serious scholar, they want you to spend real time with these collections. The Library Company offers research fellowships for both short-term and long-term projects. If your work fits their strengths, they'll support you.
Visiting the Library
Location
1314 Locust Street in Center City Philadelphia. That's between 13th and Broad Streets.
Getting There
You've got options. Take SEPTA's Broad Street Line to Walnut-Locust Station. Or use the Regional Rail to Suburban Station, which is about a 10-minute walk. Walking from anywhere in Center City works too. For parking, nearby garages are your best bet.
Tips
Remember: this is primarily for researchers. Exhibitions are open to casual visitors, and the Franklin collection alone is worth seeing. If you've got specific research questions, call ahead.
Nearby Attractions
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania (across the street)
- Academy of Music (2 blocks)
- Kimmel Center (2 blocks)
- Avenue of the Arts
The neighborhood's packed with history and culture.
See Also
- Benjamin Franklin
- American Philosophical Society
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Libraries in Philadelphia
References
- ↑ "About the Library Company". Library Company of Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Library Company of Philadelphia". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025