Darby Free Library in Darby Borough, Pa. is the oldest library in the United States in continuous service. It was started in 1743.
Oldest library William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 4-16-19
Oldest library William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 4-16-19
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Darby Free Library in Darby Borough, Pa. is the oldest library in the United States in continuous service. It was started in 1743.
That’s interesting-I would have guessed it was the Philadelphia Free Library.
The Free Library of Philadelphia wasn’t started until 1891 believe it or not. Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company of Philadelphia started in 1731, though. I guess Darby’s argument is that that wasn’t in continuous service although I can’t see where it wasn’t. Maybe the British occupation of Philadelphia.