Benjamin Franklin Day is observed annually on January 17 to honor Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States.

• Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Franklin was a polymath excelling as an inventor, author, printer, politician, diplomat, musician, and postmaster.
• He invented the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove.
• Authored “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” an annual publication from 1732 to 1758.
• Founded the first subscription library in America in 1731 and contributed to establishing the University of Pennsylvania.