Library Benefactors

The permanent home for the library collection was a gift of Mrs. Lydia Ray Peirce and Mrs. Annie Ray Thayer in memory of their parents.

The Ray family manufactured felt, cotton and wool. They also operated the light and power company in Franklin during the late 1800s. The Ray family donated the fire station and a school to the town as well as their homes to Dean College.

The Ray Memorial Association was established to provide for and maintain the Ray building. This association was responsible for the building until 1982 when the Franklin Public Library became a department of the town.