The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, an historic, member-supported library, was founded in 1814, decades before the advent of free public libraries. Its purpose, then as now, is to provide access to “general knowledge” through books, archival material and special collections for research and exhibits, public forums and lectures, as well as a congenial space for conversation and learning. Since the 1980s, the Athenaeum has also been celebrated for its world-renowned architectural archives which provide opportunities to examine the rich history of our city and world.