Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World

Jacksonville Public Library has the distinct privilege of having been selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities as the only library in the State of Florida to host the Benjamin Franklin: In search of a Better World traveling library exhibit. In celebration of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, the exhibit is being displayed at 40 libraries throughout the United States between 2007 and 2011.

As always, we invite you to share this information and the attached flyer with family, friends and neighbors. With skyrocketing gas prices, there are plenty of free educational and entertaining activities to enjoy this summer close to home at JPL.

Closing program

July 23 @ 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Main Library--2nd Floor Atrium

and

July 23 @ 6:00 p.m.

Main Library--Auditorium

Featuring Cecilia Brauer playing the Glass Armonica,

a unique musical instrument invented by

Benjamin Franklin, and an encore performance

by Dean Bennett as Benjamin Franklin.

The Armonica, also called the glass harmonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761. In 1757, while in England he attended a concert given on the wine glasses. He thought it was the sweetest sound he had ever heard but he wanted to hear more harmonies with his melody. Thus the Armonica was born and named by Franklin for a word taken from the musical Italian language. It has been said that if the harp is "the instrument of the Angels", then the Armonica is "the voice of the Angels".