The History of the Lamborn Library: Discover the story behind The Terranova Team’s future home office in Hockessin.

We usually help other people move. This time, we’re the ones packing boxes!

The Terranova Team is in the process of setting up a new office in the historic Lamborn Library, at the corner of Valley Road and Old Lancaster Pike in Hockessin. As we get the space ready, we wanted to share the history behind a building that has been part of this community for generations.

Our work has always been about more than houses. It’s about people, relationships, and the places that bring us together. Learning about the Lamborn Library has made us even more grateful to call it our new home.

Before the Books, There Were Schoolbooks

Long before it became a library, the building served as Public School No. 29. According to Delaware Public Archives, it was built in 1870 as a one-room schoolhouse, with a second floor and another classroom added around 1890. It continued serving students until 1932. 

The building’s architecture reflects that history. Its National Register nomination describes substantial masonry walls, a stone foundation, decorative fish-scale shingles, and sunburst detailing near the roof’s peak. It also records a bell tower that once stood above the schoolhouse, a reminder of the days when children gathered here for lessons. 

How the Lamborn Library Got Its Name

The schoolhouse’s next chapter grew out of a generous gift. Levis Lamborn left a trust fund to establish a library, reading room, and lecture hall, and the former school was named in his honor. The National Register nomination records the library’s use beginning in 1934. 

The Friends of the Hockessin Library describes those early years as an all-volunteer operation in the former “Crossroads” School. Neighbors gave their time to help make books and library services available to the community. 

What a wonderful foundation for a building’s next chapter: a gift intended to help people learn, gather, and connect.

A Gathering Place for Hockessin

The Lamborn Library became much more than a place to borrow books. Its historic nomination documents meetings of garden clubs, Girl Scouts, the Community Club, the Lions Club, senior groups, and other local organizations. Those groups were able to use the building without charge.

It also played a role in another important piece of local history: the Hockessin Volunteer Fire Company held its first official meeting at the Lamborn Library on October 15, 1936, according to New Castle County’s Hockessin community plan.

As Hockessin grew, its library services grew too. The Friends of the Hockessin Library formed in 1975 and successfully advocated for county funding. The Hockessin Public Library was established in 1977, and a new library building opened in 1994. The historic schoolhouse itself was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. 

The building’s story continued in 2014, when it was gifted to the Hockessin Historical Society, which owns it today. The Society has continued its tradition of community service by making space available for nonprofit meetings and educational activities. We’re grateful for its stewardship of this Hockessin landmark and for the opportunity to make our new office part of a place with such a meaningful local history.

Our Turn to Make Memories Here

We’re still getting the office settled, but we’ve already had a chance to experience what makes this location special.

Participating in Halloween in Hockessin was such a fun way to begin. We loved seeing familiar faces, meeting neighbors, and sharing in a community tradition. Thank you to everyone who stopped by! We’re already looking forward to next year and to the gatherings and events we hope to host in between.

Hockessin also puts us close to the Delaware–Pennsylvania line, a convenient home base for our work with buyers and sellers in both states. Most of all, though, we’re excited to have a place where friends, family, clients, and neighbors can stop in and feel welcome.

The Lamborn Library has held many chapters: schoolhouse, library, and community gathering place. We’re grateful for the opportunity to become part of its story, and we can’t wait for you to be part of this next chapter with us.

The Terranova Team
Real Estate. Relationships. Results.

Historical information sourced from Delaware Public Archives, Friends of the Hockessin Library, archivesfiles.delaware.gov and the Hockessin Historical Society.