Benjamin Franklin contributed greatly to early America in multiple ways. He founded the first free public libraries, making books accessible to ordinary people. As the first Postmaster General of the United States, he organized the national mail system. Franklin helped write the Declaration of Independence as a key Founding Father at age 70. Known widely as an inventor of the lightning rod, bifocals, and Franklin stove, he also served as a successful U.S. diplomat, securing French support during the Revolutionary War.