The State of Delaware has entered into a sales agreement for a new Wilmington Library.
The site, at 3905 North Market Street, is the current site of the vintage Saab dealership. The construction of the new library, which will provide land for site development and increased parking needs, will be funded through approximately $22 million that was secured in Fiscal Years 2022-2023 Bond Bills and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“Libraries have evolved to meet the needs of communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. John Carney. “This new library in Wilmington will provide services to the surrounding community, benefitting families and children for generations. This could not have been made possible without the work of various stakeholders. Thank you to our Congressional delegation who secured American Rescue Plan Act funds, members of the General Assembly who ensured funding for library infrastructure through the Bond Bill, and the community leaders who advocated for this.”
“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in children and families of all walks of life,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “No other public institution but libraries can assist someone looking for employment, provide health and social services, and connect individuals to critical resources all in one place. Through this much-needed investment, we are setting a pathway for success for the greater Wilmington community.”
State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman led the initiative to procure the site, working with state legislators, leadership at the existing Wilmington Library, and other community advocates.
“I’m grateful that our work to build a new Wilmington Library is one step closer,” said State Rep. Nmandi Chukwuocha. “There is a close correlation between libraries, literacy levels, and crime in our country. By investing in this new library, we’re working to improve graduation rates while reducing the crime rate on our streets so that more kids end up on a path to successful lives and prosperous careers. Smart investments like these are powerful to change our communities for the better.”
It will be the second library on the East Side of Wilmington, with another location a short distance away at 3400 N. Market St. That library will receive a major upgrade, TownSquare Live reported last month.
Libraries are viewed as a way to deal with the high rate of illiteracy rate on the East Side of the city.
The use of libraries has grown despite the rapid growth of books posted online and accessed through tablets and smartphones.
For some residents, libraries are the only way to access computers needed in job searches or to fill out online forms.
