New Castle Hundred in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Library
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 24, 2017
1. The Old Library Marker
The Library Company, chartered in 1812, had housed its collection of classics and law books in the Academy (built in 1799) across the street. Originally, the library was private: borrowing privileges were limited to members and, it is believed, students at the Academy. In the 1940s, the library became a free public library open to everyone.
This library was replaced by a new library on Delaware Street in 1965. The Old Library was used by the sculptor Maurine Ligon as her home and studio from 1965 until her death in 1979.
Since 1982, the New Castle Historical Society has leased the building for use as a meeting place, library, and museum.
Erected by New Castle Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 39° 39.665′ N, 75° 33.789′ W. Marker is in New Castle, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in New Castle Hundred. It is on 3rd Street south of Harmony Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Wilmington and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Captain John Evans (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Wansey (within shouting distance of this marker); Midshipman John Stockton, United States Navy (within shouting distance of this marker); George Read (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots in the Immanuel Churchyard (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named George Read (about 300 feet away); William Penn (about 300 feet away); Frenchtown Railroad Sleepers
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 24, 2017
2. The Old Library and Marker
Also see . . . Old Library Museum. New Castle Historical Society entry (Submitted on April 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 24, 2017
3. The Old Library Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
