he traveling exhibit, Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, gives library visitors an opportunity to explore Franklin's life, his contributions to the founding of this country, and his vision for improving communities.

The panel exhibit consists of six sections of colorful, freestanding photo-panels, incorporating images of artifacts and a text written by Franklin experts. The 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.

Two copies of the 1,000-square-foot traveling exhibit will circulate to 40 public and academic libraries through July 2011. Host libraries will feature the exhibit for a six-weeks. Libraries will present at least two free public programs featuring a lecture or discussion by a qualified scholar on exhibition themes. The exhibition will be free and open to the public. Follow the links below for information about the exhibit tour and related Franklin programs.