Darby Free Library thanks Congressman Brady for renovation to America’s oldest library

PHILADELPHIA--- The Darby Free Library, the nation’s oldest public library, in continuous service since 1743, unveiled its new facelift at a reception Tuesday to thank Congressman Bob Brady (D., PA) for his assistance. Responding to a call from Darby Mayor Helen Thomas, the Congressman reached out to the Henderson Group for help with much needed repairs to the Library. That help was on display as the Library, located in the 1st Congressional District, proudly showed off the approximately $25,000 clean-up, fix-up and paint-up renovation project, donated by the Henderson Group, a full-service commercial real estate development company headquartered in suburban Philadelphia.

Library Director Susan Borders said the repair and renovation project will greatly benefit the Library’s 2018 celebration of providing library services for 275 years.   

Brady praised the Henderson Group for being a great community partner that stepped up to aid an important and historic institution.  And, as he toured the building Brady noted, “To see the faces of so many young people enjoying reading in a safe and welcoming space is the reward for helping out the Library.” Viewing a case containing rare  historic books the Congressman added, “The history of the Darby Library is incredible, and we have to make sure that this important institution survives.” In the 1700’s, in the early days of the Darby Library, books were kept in the homes of the librarians. And, because of the interest of botanist John Bartram, his friend, Peter Collison, a Londoner, shipped to the Library its first collection of books, 43 volumes. “That’s some history!,” the Congressman noted.