b'PUBLIC LIBRARIES started withBenjamin FranklinBy Trina Kleist Going to the librarymakes you a better person,says Nevada CountyLibrarian Nick Wilczek. Itmakes your community betterby extension. T hat idea has deep and vibrant roots.The idea caught on, and by 1800, more than 40 lending In this country, it goes back at leastlibraries operated in the U.S. to the founders of the United StatesIn his 1771 autobiography, Franklin wrote: These libraries of America, who themselves collectedhave improved the general conversation of the Americans, books (expensive and unusual backWebster notes, and made the common tradesmen and farmers then) and kept personal libraries foras intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries.their own education. Today, The Library Co. continues to operate as an Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) wasindependent research library, free and open to the public, a printer, writer and political thinkerWebster writes.Nick Wilczek, Nevada Countywho helped shape the new country andWilczek wants to see the Nevada County Library system Librarian became one of its early ambassadorscontinue that legacy.after the Revolutionary War. He also invented the concept ofFor our community to be happy and healthy, we need to the public library as we know it today, according to an article byunderstand each other, Wilczek says. Humanity manifests Elizabeth Webster published in Smithsonian magazine. in different ways. We dont need to agree, but we need to In 1731, he started The Library Co. of Philadelphia in hisunderstand where were (each) coming from.home town. Members bought shares in the library at a low cost, attracting artisans of modest means, Webster writes. Eventually,Read Elizabeth Websters article in Smithsonian magazine here: the company allowed non-members to borrow books for awww.SmithsonianMag.com/history/how-ben-franklin-small fee. invented-library-as-we-know-it-180983983/2024 Western Nevada County Edition SENIOR DIRECTORY 13'