Hatboro in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Union Library Company of Hatborough
Founded 1755
| | "Knowledge is the Best Support of Liberty" | |
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2025
1. Union Library Company of Hatborough Marker
The library was established by four men as a colonial subscription library to "Expel those Gloomy Clouds of Ignorance". Shareholder Nathan Holt left a bequest that enabled the erection of the Greek Revival style building with an adjoining home for the librarian in 1849. The library became a public library in 1985. Building additions were made in 1992 and 2000. The library is the third oldest library in Pennsylvania and the second oldest library in Pennsylvania still operating under its original charter.
Erected by The Millbrook Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.
Location. 40° 10.41′ N, 75° 6.446′ W. Marker is in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. It is on York Road north of Lehman Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 243 South York Road, Hatboro PA 19040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Union Library (here, next to this marker); Hatboro World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Site of the Original Potts House
this page online
Regarding Union Library Company of Hatborough. National Register Statement of Significance excerpt:
The Union Library Company of Hatboro building is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style in architecture and thought. The simple, temple-like form of the Greek Revival style was popular during the early 19th century as a symbol of purity, education and antiquity. What better format for an organization founded for the "promotion of Knowledge and Moral Virtue." The Union Library Company is one of the oldest such institutions of learning in Pennsylvania.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Union Library of Hatborough History
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2025
2. Union Library Company of Hatborough NRHP Marker
2. Union Library Company National Register Nomination Form. (Submitted on March 9, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 8, 2025
3. Union Library Company of Hatborough Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 428 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
