Franklin Public Library Official Site

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Franklin Public Library Official Site America's First Public Lending Library The Franklin Public Library is considered America's first public library.

In 1778, when the town was incorporated, the designated name Exeter was changed to Franklin in honor of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. In return Franklin was asked to donate a bell for the town's church steeple. Acknowledging that "sense" was preferable to "sound", Dr. Franklin responded with an offer of books for the use of the town's residents. When the volumes arrived, a great controversy arose over who should be allowed to use them. On November 20th, 1790, those attending Franklin's town meeting voted to lend the books to all Franklin inhabitants free of charge. This vote established the Franklin collection as the first public library in the United States. The original Franklin collection is still housed in a book case in the circulation department. In 1904, the Ray Memorial Building was dedicated and the Franklin Library got a permanent building - a gift from the Ray family. That same year, the Ray family also established the Ray Memorial fund to provide for and maintain the building. The Franklin Library Association ran the library until 1981 when the Franklin Public Library became a department of the town of Franklin. From 1987 to 1989, the Library underwent extensive restoration to maintain the original beauty and splendor of this beautiful classical Greek structure and to add a children's wing.

Attention Book Sale enthusiasts! I know the Book Sale is normally this weekend, but it's the weekend of the 23rd! Stop b...
10/14/2026

Attention Book Sale enthusiasts! I know the Book Sale is normally this weekend, but it's the weekend of the 23rd! Stop by Saturday the 24th for the sweet Trunk or Treat!
Town of Franklin

It’s an exciting morning here at the library as repairs are underway to our ramp entrance! Please be advised that this e...
10/13/2026

It’s an exciting morning here at the library as repairs are underway to our ramp entrance! Please be advised that this entrance will be closed until tomorrow (10/14) at the earliest! THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO THE 24hr BOOK DROP DURING THE RAMP CLOSURE. Returns and building access are still possible at the School St entrance next to the brick patio while we are open (Mon-Th 9AM-8PM) Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We'll be closed on Sunday and Monday, but our digital library is open 24/7! Check out our online resources, including Li...
10/10/2026

We'll be closed on Sunday and Monday, but our digital library is open 24/7! Check out our online resources, including Libby, hoopla, and Overdrive on our website.

Today's Slime event at the Library is canceled. Thank you for your understanding.
10/09/2026

Today's Slime event at the Library is canceled. Thank you for your understanding.

Girls Who Code is back at Franklin P***c Library! Join our 3-5th grade club by registering on the Calendar of Events! Li...
10/07/2026

Girls Who Code is back at Franklin P***c Library! Join our 3-5th grade club by registering on the Calendar of Events! Link is in the Bio!
Town of Franklin

What better way to kick off your week than reading to a furry friend? There are still slots available for this afternoon...
10/05/2026

What better way to kick off your week than reading to a furry friend? There are still slots available for this afternoon's Doggie Tales program! Come practice your reading skills with one of the sweet trained therapy dogs that join us each Monday!

With so much going on at the Library... you may never leave! Town of Franklin 👻
10/03/2026

With so much going on at the Library... you may never leave! Town of Franklin 👻

Are you ready to cast an informed vote this november? Find out what has changed, the locations, the important dates, and...
09/30/2026

Are you ready to cast an informed vote this november? Find out what has changed, the locations, the important dates, and where to get the unbiased information you need!
Town of Franklin

Art is good for your health! Check out these programs at the library this week! Town of Franklin
09/26/2026

Art is good for your health! Check out these programs at the library this week!
Town of Franklin

Try a different way to Mahjong! This predecessor to American Mahjong has its own style, but many of the same features th...
09/23/2026

Try a different way to Mahjong! This predecessor to American Mahjong has its own style, but many of the same features the make Mahjong so fun!
Take some notes, try a round, and see if this might be the Mahjong for you!
Town of Franklin

Address

118 Main Street
Franklin, MA
02038

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm

Telephone

+15085204941

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Franklin Public Library Official Site posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Franklin Public Library Official Site:

Shortcuts

Share

Category