Training at the Darby Free Library

Restoration Brings New Energy to America’s Oldest Library

Libraries often evoke images of hushed voices and quiet corners, but this summer, the Darby Free Library is surrounded by the sounds of hammers, scaffolding, and restoration crews. That’s because vital preservation work is underway at this historic site.

Darby Free Library holds a remarkable distinction—it’s the Oldest Continuously Operated Library in the United States. While Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company predates it by more than a decade, the library founded by Darby’s Quaker community in 1743 has never closed its doors. Originally a subscription-based library with books kept in the librarian’s home, it became a public library in the late 19th century and has remained free and open ever since.

The building you see today was completed in 1872, but earlier repair work used Portland cement-based mortar, which was incompatible with the original brick. This caused damage to the interior, making proper restoration essential. Now, with guidance from the LimeWorks.us Technical Install Team Trainers, the building is being restored using historically appropriate Ecologic™ Lime Mortar. Check out our video to see the restoration in action and learn about the techniques being used to preserve this cultural treasure.

Just next door, though hidden from the road, is another piece of Darby’s rich history—the Quaker Meeting House. The Darby Society of Friends, which has met continuously since 1684, is also restoring its historic building. The current stone structure, built in 1805, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was recently added to the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom, recognizing the Quakers’ role in the Underground Railroad.

Together, these two sites are not only being preserved—they’re being honored as essential pieces of American history.