Darby Free Library

Joseph Bonsall was elected Secretary, Nathan Gibson, Treasurer, and John Pearson was the first Librarian.

Until 1872 library meetings were held in member's houses and the librarian kept the collection of books in a trunk.

In 1819 Ann Paschall inherited a share in the library and became the first woman to be a member.

[4] In 1866 property was bought to build a permanent home for the library, just south of the Darby Friends Meetinghouse at the corner of 10th and Main Streets.

The building was designed in the Italianate style by Benjamin D. Price and constructed by Charles Bonsall.

Darby Free Library's 1872 building at 1001 Main St. in Darby. The date stone above the rose window reads "Darby Library. 1743 1872"
Library on a c. 1905 postcard
View from the south