Library Company of Philadelphia Shareholders records 1732-2007

ArchivalResource

Library Company of Philadelphia Shareholders records, 1732-2007

Library Company of Philadelphia Shareholders records 1732-2007

http://dla.library.upenn.edu/dla/pacscl/ead.html?id=PACSCL_LCP_LCPShareholders

In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and a number of his fellow members of the Junto founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, in order to provide its members access to books that they could not afford to purchase individually, but could afford to purchase collectively. Fifty subscribers invested forty shillings each and promised to pay ten shillings a year thereafter to buy books and maintain a shareholder's library. Thus "the Mother of all American Subscription Libraries" was established. Over the years, the Library Company continues to be supported by its members who participate in a centuries-old tradition by becoming shareholders and therefore allowing the Library Company of Philadelphia to continue serving the public, free of charge. This collection consists of twelve volumes of shareholders records dating from 1742 to 2007. The volumes, Record Books A to L, document share purchases and transfers of shares. Entries include date, name of member, and occasionally brief notes on circumstances of share transfers. They also provide information about the history of the Library Company of Philadelphia as well as some information on the men and women who became members.

4.33 Linear feet; 12 volumes

Library company of Philadelphia