ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Membership support is a vital source of income for the Library Company’s operations. We offer membership levels that range from Student Memberships to Shareholders and above, and each membership level offers unique benefits (listed below). We thank you in advance for helping to support the Library Company’s collections, exhibitions, programs, research fellows, and more.
Student Membership, $50 (Student ID required)
- Subscription to Occasional Miscellany, our newsletter
- Invitations to exhibition openings, member-only receptions, lectures and special events
Friends, $100
- Subscription to Occasional Miscellany, our newsletter
- Invitations to exhibition openings, member-only receptions, lectures and special events
- 10% discount on Library Company publications and merchandise
- Recognition in the Annual Report
Shareholders (Initial Contribution $500; Annual Minimum Contribution $175)
Enjoy all the benefits of being a Friends member, plus:
- Consultation with Library staff on selection of your unique historic share
- Personalized share certificate
- Copy of At the Instance of Benjamin Franklin: A Brief History of the Library Company
- Special orientation tour of the Library Company – By request
- Invitation to the Annual Meeting and opportunity to appoint Board of Trustees
- Processing fee waived for new digitization orders
- New shareholders will receive one year of complementary Phillis Wheatley Level benefits
Phillis Wheatley Level, $400
Enjoy all the benefits of being a Shareholder, plus:
- Membership in the “Franklin’s Junto” and invitation to annual Junto event
James Rush Level, $1,000
Enjoy all the benefits of being a Shareholder at the Phillis Wheatley Level, plus:
- Behind-the-scenes tour of the Library Company (includes one guest) – by request
- Invitation to special events like a gathering at a private collector’s home
- Exclusive on-site Library Company events
GIVING CIRCLES
The Library Company is grateful for the generosity of our community and its dedication to scholarship and historical preservation. To recognize remarkable impact, we are honored to induct members into the following Giving Circles. Based on cumulative giving throughout the year, these Giving Circles are designed to thank you for your astounding support.
James Logan Circle, $2,500
Enjoy all the benefits of being a shareholder at the James Rush Level, plus:
- Private curatorial presentation for you and three guests – By request
- Complimentary Library Company publications
Richard Allen Circle, $5,000
Enjoy all the benefits of being a shareholder at the James Logan Circle, plus:
- Private luncheon with the Director – By request
Edwin Wolf 2nd Circle, $10,000
Enjoy all the benefits of being a shareholder at the Richard Allen Circle plus:
- Private tour of the Library Company and reception (catering not included) – By request
Benjamin Franklin Circle, $25,000
Enjoy all the benefits of being a shareholder at the Edwin Wolf 2nd Circle, plus:
- Private luncheon (up to 20 people) at the Library Company (catering not included) – By request
LIBRARY COMPANY SOCIETIES
The Library Company was built on the idea of community — a place for people from all backgrounds to come together “to pour forth benefits for the common good,” as our seal proudly decrees. Today, we uphold that tradition by remaining free and open to the public. Our four special giving societies allow our members to fully experience all the Library has to offer. Members are invited to join these specialty groups by contacting the Development Office at 215-546-3181 ext. 118 or at [email protected]
Franklin’s Junto: The Junto was a group founded by Franklin to discuss news of the day and pool resources for our growing collection. This society honors its roots by raising money to expand the historical collections. Junto members gather and celebrate with an annual event to learn about and view newly-acquired items.
James Rush Society: Members of the James Rush Society are those who choose to include the Library Company in their estate plans. As stewards of the Library Company’s future, we are excited to host an Annual James Rush Luncheon and other opportunities to interact with curators and collections.
Charlotte Cushman Society: Created in 2018, the Charlotte Cushman Society is dedicated to recovering and sharing LGBTQ+ history. Members are invited to an annual program and receive other exclusive opportunities throughout the year.
A copy of the official registration of the Library Company as a charitable organization and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, (800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.