Darby Free Library

The Darby Free Library is a public library in Darby that provides books, digital resources, and educational materials to the community. It combines a historic collection with contemporary services for residents.

The library was founded in 1743 by twenty-nine Quakers as a subscription library with its collection initially kept in a wooden trunk. This early model of shared knowledge was later expanded into a permanent public institution.

The library holds an original collection of books brought from England starting in 1743, including works such as Paradise Lost and The Gentleman Instructed. These volumes reflect what educated readers valued during that early period.

You can visit during weekday and weekend hours, allowing flexible scheduling for your trip. The facility offers different spaces and resources suited to various reading interests.

The original book collection was selected by two prominent botanists and shipped from England in 1743. John Bartram and Peter Collinson chose volumes that reflected scientific and philosophical interests of their time.

Location: Darby

GPS coordinates: 39.92020,-75.26310

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:27