Library Building Project

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A Brief History:

The Dover Public Library was established as a private subscription library in 1885 by a group of Dover citizens. In 1902, the Century Club of Dover sponsored the creation of a publicly supported library in Dover and the Dover Public Library became the first tax-supported library in Delaware. In 1961, a new library facility was constructed on State Street to serve a population of 7,250 people and to house the growing library collections. In 1975, the Dover Public Library became a municipal library for the City of Dover and the building was expanded to include a meeting room and a children’s programming room in the basement.

Why a new library:
A new public library facility for Dover and the surrounding areas will enrich the lives of all citizens by providing adequate space for books; periodicals; audiovisual materials; programming for life-long learning, development, and enrichment; opportunities for literacy and ESL teaching and support; programming for children and teens; space for technological development and technology teaching; meeting space for library programs and for community needs; and adequate parking.

The public library is the one community facility which provides unlimited opportunities for learning, enrichment, development of critical thinking skills, cultural enhancement, and experiences for technological development for all citizens of all ages regardless of stage of life and ability to pay. The public library is frequently the first exposure that very young children have to formalized educational opportunities and social interaction. It provides a place for parents to interact as they raise their children from babyhood through youth. Teens use the public library for access to vital information about their changing physical and social needs as well as assistance with high school class work and the development of college and/or career paths. The public library supports the recreational reading needs, research needs for lifestyle and financial support, career and job enhancement, employment opportunities and more for adults. Seniors have discovered that public libraries offer an opportunity for intergenerational interaction and activities to maintain healthy bodies and minds. A public library facility is a measure of a community’s commitment to the health, well-being and development of its citizenry. A new public library facility is a building designed and built to serve generations of that citizenry for years to come. It is an investment in the future of a community.