A library branch is named after its prominent Brandywine Hundred location. (Ken Mammarella photo)

Roof, HVAC work to close Brandywine library for 3 months

Ken MammarellaCulture, Government, Headlines

  The Brandywine Hundred Library is closing for three months to replace its roof and its heating, ventilating and cooling system. New Castle County is planning to close the library from Feb. 1 through May 1. During that time, it will open the Claymont and Woodlawn libraries seven days a week, with extended hours. “This project has been needed for …

The Newark Free LIbrary is being replaced with a new building on the same site.

Ideas for new Newark library sought in 2 town halls, survey

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Two town halls and an online survey have been announced to collect ideas for the new Newark library. Members of the public are invited to share their thoughts directly with the architectural firm, Quinn Evans, at meetings hosted by the Friends of the Newark Free Library. The first meeting will be 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Newark Senior …

Becker Morgan Group design for the Selbyville Library.

New library buildings in the works across Delaware

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

New public libraries are being built across Delaware, as part of a state government goal to have 1 square foot of library space for each resident. That space and that expansion is a shorthand way to understand libraries’ increasingly broad roles. They have a long history of lending books and answering reference questions, but today’s libraries are adding to their …

Seaford Library kiosk

State campaign to encourage use of library privacy kiosks

Sam HautHeadlines, Government

The state plans a marketing campaign to encourage more residents to use Social Service Kiosks that now exist in some libraries to access medical and other private services. The soundproof booths are located in 13 different libraries across the state.  Health and library officials hoped they would help some of Delaware’s more disadvantaged populations get the help they needed to …

The Newark library (New Castle County photo)

New 2-story Newark library to be built on same site

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

New Castle County has decided to update the Newark Free Library on the same site. The new, two-story building will have 50% more interior space, and there will be 80% more parking, Diana Brown, manager of the county’s 10 libraries, said this week. “Details of what will be inside will be developed with public hearings this year,” Out & About …

There are more than 70 libraries across the state that share 2.5 million ebooks and print books for the benefit of Delawareans.

Delaware to add school libraries into statewide catalog

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Education

The Delaware Library Consortium announced Tuesday that it will spend $1 million to add school libraries into the statewide catalog. The goal is to broaden the First State’s library catalog and provide more students an opportunity to conduct research or read for pleasure. “Over the years it seems like everything around literacy has been tweaked except school libraries, until now,” …

Delaware Library Render Front Iteration 3.1

State to spend $28 million on libraries .2 miles apart

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delaware will spend $22 million to construct a new library in North Wilmington just 0.2 miles from an existing library, which is undergoing a $6 million renovation. Once complete, visitors will be able to check out a book at the $22 million library located at 3905 N Market St., then walk five minutes down the road to the $6 million …

Delaware libraries

Libraries test tech allowing patrons to self-checkout

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

Delaware’s libraries are investing in tech that allows patrons to check out their own items – and also lets staff members do some nifty things behind the scenes. Testing started this spring at 14 libraries and two bookmobiles. A second stage, launching in September, will include the first school libraries, in the Colonial School District, and bring the technology to …

Delaware Library Render Front Iteration 1.2

North Wilmington Branch Library set for major upgrade

Charlie MegginsonCulture, Headlines

The North Wilmington Branch Library is set for a major renovation and expansion thanks to $6 million in Bond Bill funds allocated by the General Assembly.  The money will go toward site preparation and design, according to Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington, who supported the library’s Bond Bill request.  “This project will have a significant impact on residents, especially our young …

Downtown Wilmington library (McGhiever photo from Wikimedia)

Wilmington library called one of America’s most beautiful

Ken MammarellaCulture, Headlines

  The downtown Wilmington library is No. 3 on a new list titled “the 11 Most Beautiful Libraries in the United States.” “Visitors will encounter a massive, symmetrical white-gray façade designed in the Neoclassic style by well-respected architects Alfred Githens and Edward Tilton,” Fodor’s Travel writes of the Wilmington Public Library. “There are intricate fixtures to admire, including terra-cotta frieze …