Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World was organized by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, Philadelphia, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The traveling exhibition for libraries has been made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life.

The traveling exhibition is based on a major exhibition of the same name mounted by the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth. The Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary is a nonprofit organization established through a major grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts to educate the public about Franklin's enduring legacy.

The exhibit gives public audiences the opportunity to explore and to talk about Franklin's life, his contributions to the founding of this country, and his high standards for work, citizenship, and contribution to community. It looks at his background, his self-education, and his philosophical and religious beliefs and their effect on his work and life. It shows Franklin in the context of the eighteenth century and as a product of his times—a brilliant and rather unconventional product of his times—rather than as the venerable bespectacled and grandfatherly figure with whom we are all familiar.

Exhibition content is arranged in thematic sections showing Franklin in the Boston of his youth, Franklin's family and personal life, as well as the years when he built his business as Philadelphia's premier printer. The exhibit also looks at Franklin's commitment to public service, his interests in medicine and public health, and his work in science and philosophy. Franklin's political career in England, France and the United States, and his contributions to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and other major documents are the subjects of the final two sections of the exhibit.

Thursday, March 25, 7p.m.
Main Library
Benjamin Franklin’s Glass Harmonica

Lynn Drye will perform classical works written specifically for the Glass Armonica (Glass Harmonica) in addition to her own arrangements of folk tunes, classical pieces, and contemporary works for glass music. This program marks the official opening of the Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World Traveling Exhibit.

April 2010 (National Poetry Month)
From Ben’s Pen: Notable Quotes from Benjamin Franklin

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was a poet? Many of his poems were published in early editions of his Poor Richard’s Almanac. In recognition of National Poetry Month and Franklin’s contributions to the written word and printing technology, patrons will be able to take a notable quotable of our most famous Founding Father home. His inspirational words will be available at all of the public service points in the Main Library and here throughout the month of April.

Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m.
Main Library
Benjamin Franklin Community Service Saturday for Teens

In addition to the many contributions that Benjamin Franklin made as a diplomat, writer/printer, and innovator, he was a strong proponent of volunteerism and giving back to the community. Franklin contributed much of his time and energy to many community institutions, including libraries. In that spirit, teens ages 12-18 can earn four hours of community service credit while helping out around the library and assisting with a children's craft program. Registration is required. Teens must remain at the library for the full four hours of the event. Teens completing court ordered community service cannot participate in Community Service Saturday.  For more information or to register, call 623-930-3537.

Saturday, April 17, 12:30 p.m.
Main Library
Quick Craft: Benjamin Franklin Flying Kite Craft

The legacy of Benjamin Franklin could not be complete without paying tribute to one of his notable discoveries – electricity! As both a scientist and inventor, Franklin is credited with discovering that electricity can be neither created nor destroyed. While it has been debated if Benjamin Franklin actually did the famous kite experiment as is popularly portrayed, it no doubt is near the top of the list of his many contributions to contemporary life. So children 3 and up can drop in and try their hands at kite making with the help of our teen volunteers. Participation is limited to the first 40 children.