Franklin Community Library has been a gathering place for new immigrants and lifelong learners since 1914. In its early years it featured a large Scandinavian collection, as the community was heavily populated with newcomers from Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Today, the surrounding neighborhoods are home to people from all ethnicities and walks of life, including many who are learning English as a second language. To meet the needs of its diverse users, Franklin Library's World Language collection focuses on materials in Somali and Spanish. Adult Learning materials and a large American Indian collection are also featured at Franklin. The library complex includes the Phillips Technology Center and the Franklin Learning Center, and a popular after-school homework help program.
The Franklin renovation combines preservation of historic features with updated technology to create a library learning environment for people of all ages. New elements include a children's pavilion and storybook room to welcome young visitors, an area designed especially for teens, comfortable seating in front of the two historic fireplaces, and a community meeting room. In addition to a collection of books, media, and magazines for children, teens, and adults, more than thirty new computers are available for public use.
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