Question: Which founding father donated books for America’s first public library?
Answer: The Franklin Public Library is recognized as America’s first public library. In 1778, when the town was incorporated, its name was changed from Exeter to Franklin in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Instead of donating a bell for the church steeple, Franklin offered books for the residents. This led to a significant debate over who could borrow them, but on November 20, 1790, the town voted to allow all residents to use the books free of charge, establishing the first public library in the United States. The original collection is still displayed in the library’s Reading Gallery.
