Franklin Public Library

The Franklin Library is always a perfect place to read or study in peace. The people are respectful and quiet and the librarians are always friendly and helpful.
The study rooms are very nice, the chairs are comfortable and temperature is perfect. I also like the book selection, especially the non fiction section.

A
guy
named
Ben
Way back in 1778 the small town of Exeter decided to change it’s name to Franklin in honor of Benjamin Franklin and in gratitude Ben gave a whole bunch of books to the town. At first the town didn’t really know what to do with them but wise minds got together and decide that the whole town should have access to the books. And so the very first «public» library in the United States was born.
The books sort of got tossed around for a while until in 1904 the present building was constructed. Strong and stout looking, it is one of those places that looks like it will last forever.
Even though the outside of the library is rather plain the inside is a whole different story. All kinds of very cool murals, old paintings, elaborate staircases, beautiful lights and fantastic wood work is everywhere. Definitely one of those libraries that would be a great place to visit even without the books.
The library was extensively renovated in 1987 to the appearance of the original. They certainly did a great job because the library is now stunning.
Most towns now have libraries and in fact just about every town and village in New England has one. But the small town of Franklin has the distinction of having the very first one in the country. All thanks to a very cool guy named Ben.