Wilmington Public Library, Wilmington
The Wilmington Public Library was originally incorporated in 1754, attesting to which is a handwritten receipt for dues. However, due to the Revolutionary War and the ensued lack of funds, the library service was temporarily ceased until 1788 when the it was reinstated with the help of John Dickinson, Jacob Broom and Gunning Bedford, the three prominent Delawareans who were the original signers of the U.S. Constitution.
The early Library was located at the residence of the Librarian. As the size of the collections grew, the Library quarters likewise expanded. The Town Hall was its primary site until 1861 when the John Dickinson Mansion at 8th and Market was razed and a new building was constructed to meet the needs of the Library in 1899.
During the early 20th century, when the Library began to once again feel the need for more space, Pierre S. du Pont spearheaded a campaign to provide a larger building and improved services. He donated the property for the current building, chaired the art committee which supervised the architectural development of it and headed the campaign to raise funds for the new building. Mr. du Pont was also instrumental in attracting the support of public funds for the new Library.
The current location of the Wilmington Public Library was dedicated in 1922 and remained physically unchanged until 1970 when the interior was extensively renovated.
The fascinating Library building is a massive white-gray edifice designed in the Neoclassic style by renowned architects Alfred Githens and Edward Tilton. The symmetrical fa莽ade is decorated with prominent Ionic pilasters, garlands, a terra-cotta frieze with Egyptian motifs, and narrow grilled windows.
The early Library was located at the residence of the Librarian. As the size of the collections grew, the Library quarters likewise expanded. The Town Hall was its primary site until 1861 when the John Dickinson Mansion at 8th and Market was razed and a new building was constructed to meet the needs of the Library in 1899.
During the early 20th century, when the Library began to once again feel the need for more space, Pierre S. du Pont spearheaded a campaign to provide a larger building and improved services. He donated the property for the current building, chaired the art committee which supervised the architectural development of it and headed the campaign to raise funds for the new building. Mr. du Pont was also instrumental in attracting the support of public funds for the new Library.
The current location of the Wilmington Public Library was dedicated in 1922 and remained physically unchanged until 1970 when the interior was extensively renovated.
The fascinating Library building is a massive white-gray edifice designed in the Neoclassic style by renowned architects Alfred Githens and Edward Tilton. The symmetrical fa莽ade is decorated with prominent Ionic pilasters, garlands, a terra-cotta frieze with Egyptian motifs, and narrow grilled windows.
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Wilmington Public Library on Map
Sight Name: Wilmington Public Library
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wilmington, Delaware
Create Your Own Walk in Wilmington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wilmington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Quaker Hill and Downtown Historical Buildings
For many visitors to Delaware's Wilmington, the downtown district is the main area of interest.
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Wilmington Introduction Walking Tour
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers. Wilmington was originally home to the Lenape people. However, the land was purchased from Chief Mattahorn by the Swedish South Company in 1638. They built Fort Christina at the mouth of what would later be called the Christina River.
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles