January 17 is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which means there are 348 days remaining until the end of the year. It often falls in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, where temperatures can be quite low. This date is also recognized for various observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, which celebrates the civil rights leader's contributions to social justice. Additionally, January 17 is associated with events in history, such as the founding of Benjamin Franklin's first public library in 1731.