What are the opening hours?

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

Franklin Public Library Official Site

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Franklin, MA
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 wh

o 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.

08/01/2026

Putt around the Library with some mini-golf, finger knitting, diamond art, plushies, magic, music and more!
Town of Franklin

07/29/2026

Are you ready to get the next generation of Masters in on the Castle?
Volunteer at Franklin Public Library leading and teaching a Community Chess Club for children and teens!

Interested? contact us at 508-520-4941 or email us here: https://www.franklinma.gov/formcenter/Library-23/Contact-the-Library-85

07/25/2026

Shadow puppets and Pom Poms.
Movies and 'Art'.
Snakes in there too?!
When do we start!
Town of Franklin

07/22/2026

Transparent Language Online is back at the library with 110 languages to explore!
E.S.L. practice? Trip abroad? Cultural Heritage?
Check it out at: franklinma.gov/317/Free-Online-Databases
Town of Franklin

07/18/2026

Your week is booked at the library!

Have you started your summer reading yet? Sign up on our website and get rewarded for your reading!
Town of Franklin

07/11/2026

Another full week of summer fun at Franklin Public Library!
Town of Franklin

07/08/2026

Get some red white and blue in your wardrobe with our silk scarf painting class! Thursday July 9 at 6:30 pm
Register on Our Calendar of Events! https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/stars-and-waves-silk-scarf-painting/

07/04/2026

An explosion of activities at the Library this week! Princesses, Rubber Band Cars, Silk Painting, Board Games, Diamond Art! This and more at Franklin Public Library!
Town of Franklin

07/01/2026

Wishing all our patrons a safe and happy Independence Day Weekend! The Library will be closed Saturday, July 4th, but our E-Library is always open!
Check it out at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/
Town of Franklin

06/27/2026

Big Bubbles, DIY Journals, Improv and more at the library this week!
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

https://www.franklinma.gov/233/franklin-public-library, https://franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events, https://franklinm

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