Philadelphia's historical role in American library development

Philadelphia holds a significant place in the history of American libraries. In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and a group of colleagues established a subscription library, which was a novel concept in North America at the time.

To manage the collection, the group formed a joint stock company where the shares were books rather than money. The first books arrived from England in 1732, leading to the formal creation of the Library Company of Philadelphia. The institution allowed shareholders and their families to borrow books, while also providing public access for residents to view the collections.

Additionally, Philadelphia is recognized as the birthplace of the American Library Association and is home to the Free Library of Philadelphia.