Ben Franklin burdened with books, filling his library.
1773-1790. Just as you enter the front door, there is a stairway to your right. Touch the first tread and feel its slight movement as Benjamin Franklin begins his climb to the east room of the second floor. He has already carried many books up there and filled the library shelves with them. The beads of sweat on his forehead and the shortness of breath tell us that his task is very important to him. He is getting ready to open the first lending library in America. A library which can be used by all citizens free of charge. At that time, many books could have cost a person two months' wages!
