wbur: How little Franklin, Mass. opened America's first public library (audio)

"Massachusetts is drenched in history. You can't go much of anywhere in the commonwealth without running into America's first something or other.

But not all firsts are created equal. Some are endowed with better backstories. To wit: the Norfolk County town of Franklin is home to America's first public library.

And who donated the original set of dozens of books that gave the Franklin Public Library its start in 1790? With many of said vintage volumes still preserved in a glass and wood display case in the library, waiting for you to pay a visit?

None other than Benjamin Franklin."

Continue reading -> https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/05/09/first-public-library-america-franklin-massachusetts

Books donated by Benjamin Franklin, on display in the Franklin Public Library. (Sharon Brody/WBUR)