What you get
About The Library Company
The Library Company of Philadelphia was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin. It opened its collections to delegates of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and subsequent Congresses until 1800, holding significant works of political theory, history, law, and statecraft. This heritage establishes it as the first, though unofficial, Library of Congress. Visitors can access text materials in the Scheide reading room and visual materials in the Graphic Arts Department reading room by appointment.
On the coast
Serving Philadelphia, PA
The Library Company of Philadelphia was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin. It opened its collections to delegates of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and subsequent Congresses until 1800, holding significant works of political theory, history, law, and statecraft. This heritage establishes it as the first, though unofficial, Library of Congress. Visitors can access text materials in the Scheide reading room and visual materials in the Graphic Arts Department reading room by appointment.