Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company served as America’s first successful lending library and the nation’s first Library of Congress following the American Revolution. It remained the nation’s largest library until the Civil War era. Since the 1950s, the Library Company has been an internationally-renowned research library. With significant collections in virtually all areas of American and global history before 1900, the Library Company has particular strengths in African American history, women’s history, economic and political history, print and book history, and visual culture. For almost 300 years, the Library Company has supported the advancement of public knowledge.

This tradition continues in the 21st century with our commitment to Franklin’s founding vision: knowledge is power. Steeped in Franklin’s legacy of public service, the Library Company is proud to steward one of the nation’s largest collections of early American books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, magazines, graphics and photographs. Scholars from across the country and around the world depend on its renowned collections, expert curators, and collegial environment to advance their work.

Through exhibitions, public programs, and online resources, the Library Company connects with thousands of visitors each year, ensuring that the lessons of the past will amaze, inspire and instruct people for generations to come.