Byberry Library Company

Byberry Library Company was instituted in 1794 and incorporated in 1799. It opened with 63 volumes in the house of a member. In 1798, the library was moved to the Byberry Friends School House. When the school house was rebuilt in 1823, the books were temporarily removed, but replaced in the school the following year. Although the stockholders were not exclusively Friends, the library was generally under Quaker management. According to a pamphlet prepared for the 150th anniversary of Byberry Meeting House, the library was still in operation in 1958.

"Byberry Library was established on December 29, 1794, and incorporated in 1799. It opened with 63 volumes in the house of a member. In 1798, the library was moved to the Byberry Friends School House. When the School House was rebuilt in 1823, the books were temporarily removed, but replaced in the school the following year. Although the stockholders were not exclusively Friends, the Library was generally under Quaker management." (Friends Historical Library)

Among the principal promoters of the Library Company were Ezra Townsend, John Comly, Benjamin and Asa Walmsley, and James Walton. John Comly was a prominent Quaker, a teacher who ran the Byberry Friends School for a period of time, a farmer, and a proponent of the teachings of Elias Hicks.

Byberry Library Company was dissolved in 2010 when the last living member passed away, and its collection was turned over to Byberry Monthly Meeting.

Bibliography: Finding aid for Byberry Library Company Records, RG4/013, Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College.