In the community, the library became so successful that it was emulated by neighboring towns, and in other provinces. Reading became very fashionable; having no public amusements to indulge in, they focus their attention to studying, the communities became better acquainted with books, and in a few years, were observed by strangers to be better educated and more intelligent than their counterparts in other communities. ' 'These libraries have improved the general conversation of the Americans, made the common tradesmen and farmers as intelligent as most gentlemen from other countries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the stand so generally made throughout the colonies in defense of their privileges" (Franklin chapter 8).
The library afforded Benjamin Franklin the opportunity to improve himself. He set apart an hour or two each day, and was able to recoup to some extent the loss of the learned education his father once intended for him. Franklin through reading became professionally competent, he was able to increase his negotiation power, and it became easier for him to integrate into the upper class. He rose from the rank of an artisan to the position of a gentleman because of his continuous reading and self education."This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two each day, and thus repair'd in some degree the loss of the learned education my father once intended for me. Reading was the only amusement I allow'd myself. I spent no time in taverns, games, or frolics of any kind; and my industry in my business continued as indefatigable as it was necessary" (FRANKLIN P. 59).
Benjamin Franklin conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection, because he wished to live without committing any fault at any time. He wanted to overcome all the natural inclination that custom or company might lead him into.
