He had shown his ability to manage men and was to be called to a wider field.
Franklin's influence among his fellow citizens in Philadelphia was very great.

Always ostensibly keeping himself in the background and working through others, never contradicting, but carrying his point by shrewd questions which showed the folly of the contrary position, he continued to set on foot and carry out movements for the public good.

He established the first circulating library in Philadelphia, and one of the first in the country, and an academy which grew into the University of Pennsylvania.

He was instrumental in the foundation of a hospital.

"I am often ask'd by those to whom I propose subscribing," said one of the doctors who had made fruitless attempts to raise money for the hospital, "Have you consulted Franklin upon this business ?" Other public matters in which the busy printer was engaged were the paving and cleaning of the streets, better street lighting, the organization of a police force and of a fire company.