Franklin ( 1706-1790 Américain ) a dit que l'information doit être libre, c'est pourquoi il a créé les bibliothèques en 1731. Il a écrit : «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.»