After 275 Years, Darby Free Library is honored as the nation's oldest continuously operating public library
On the tenth day of March 1743, a group of Quaker farmers and merchants residing in "the village of Darby, Province of Pennsylvania," met to organize the area’s first cultural institution. This institution was named the Darby Library Company. On that day, twenty-nine townsmen signed an article of agreement founding one of America’s first public libraries.
An unrecorded amount of money was subscribed by the organizers for the purchase of books and forty-five volumes at a cost of 11 Pounds, 10 Shillings, Sterling were purchased. Forty-three of those original volumes are on display at the Darby Free Library today. Visit www.darbylibrary.org for a full list of the collection on display in the library today.
275 years later, on March 10, 2018, the Darby Free Library celebrated their 275th anniversary. Senator Pat Toomey recognized the accomplishments of the library and citations were given by Rep. Joanna McClinton and Sen. Anthony H. Williams. Darby Borough proclaimed March 2018 as “Darby Library Month.”
The library is keeping the celebration going all year long! On May 12, 2018 from 11:00am to 3:00pm, the Darby Free Library is hosting an indoor block party Inside the Darby Recreation Center, 1022 Ridge Ave, Darby PA. Follow the library on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the 275th celebrations!
