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What began in 2018 as a humble public reading of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin near his Jan. 17 birthday has blossomed into one of Franklin’s most cherished annual traditions: Ben Franklin Month. Each January, the Franklin Public Library becomes the heart of a community-wide celebration honoring the life, ideas, and enduring influence of America’s most versatile Founding Father, drawing neighbors of all ages into events grounded in education, music, and history.
The seeds of this vibrant tradition were planted seven years ago when local history enthusiasts organized a public reading of Franklin’s own words in celebration of his birthday. That modest event sparked growing interest in the community and soon attracted support from the Franklin Cultural District Commission and the Franklin Cultural Council. Over the years, it has expanded dramatically, with the Franklin Public Library now hosting a wide-ranging slate of activities throughout January, marking the figure for whom this town was named. There is even a musical event at the Franklin United Methodist Church!
Ben Franklin Month, now in its second full year under that name, is described as “a community rediscovery of ideas, literature, and the shared gift of language,” reflecting Franklin’s lifelong belief in the power of learning and civic engagement. Officially spearheaded by the library with robust backing from the Historical Museum and Dean College, the month features lectures, concerts, readings, and a child-friendly party that draw on Franklin’s diverse accomplishments and interests.
The heart of the celebration remains the Franklin Public Library at 118 Main Street — the site of America’s oldest continuously operating public lending library, founded in 1790 with a gift of books from Benjamin Franklin himself. The library’s origins are a reminder of Franklin’s lasting belief in access to knowledge; when the newly incorporated town (originally supposed to be called Exeter) chose to honor him by name. They asked if he would purchase a bell fot their meeting house. He offered books instead, establishing a legacy of learning that endures today.
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was one of the most remarkable figures of his era — a scientist, inventor, diplomat, printer, and statesman whose reach extended from his experiments with electricity to his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, negotiating peace with Britain, and helping frame the Constitution. He also founded institutions such as the Library Company of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, embodying a spirit of curiosity and civic responsibility that continues to inspire. Harvard's Joyce Chaplin, who will speak about her new book this coming Saturday at the library, even identifies Franklin as a pioneering environmentalist, much concerned about climate change!
Throughout January 2026, events like a live reading of Franklin’s Autobiography, musical performances highlighting his inventions such as the glass armonica, and a children’s birthday bash underscore how his legacy lives on in this first town ever named for him.
FULL SCHEDULE
▪ The January Community Concert at Franklin United Methodist Church features Vera Meyer on the Glass Armonica, Sat. Jan 10, shortly after 1 pm. This event is co-sponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum with funding from the Franklin Cultural Council. What is a glass armonica? It is a musical instrument invented by, you guessed it, Ben Franklin! It makes beautiful ethereal sounds -- like the ringing made with a damp finger on a wine glass. Free.
Check out this short video about the Armonica by Ken Burns: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-JQlwRDqc.
▪ Special Events for Adults--The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution, Saturday, Jan 10 at 4 pm. As part of the town’s annual Ben Franklin Month, Harvard Professor Joyce Chaplin will be at the Franklin Public Library to discuss her new book, The Franklin Stove: An Unintended American Revolution. Kirkus Reviews said: "Historian Chaplin focuses on Benjamin Franklin’s multiple renditions of an innovative stove to examine the intersection of scientific inquiry, race, class, politics, and economics at a time of climate change and resource depletion―a period, she underscores, not unlike our own.” This event at the Franklin Public Library is co-sponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum with funding from the Franklin Cultural Council.
▪ Special Events for All Ages--Live, participatory Reading of the Franklin Autobiography, Thursday, January 15 @ 9:30am-7:30pm….A tradition returns home! Join us for a live reading of Ben Franklin's Autobiography at the Franklin Public Library. Everyone is welcome to read, listen, and comment on the life of our favorite Founding Father.
▪ Franklin as Composer w/ Metro-West Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, January 17 @ 11am -- Benjamin Franklin: statesman, entrepreneur, scientist… composer?! Yes, our beloved Ben even
dabbled in composing his own music. Join us to explore this aspect of our namesake with the help of the Metro-West Symphony Orchestra at the Franklin Public Library.
▪ Ben Franklin Birthday Bash, Saturday, January 17 @ 2pm Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Ben Franklin himself! This children-oriented event includes Music, games, and more at the Franklin Public Library.
