$40 million in ARPA funding announced for Delaware libraries

February 17, 2022

Sarah Ash,

WILMINGTON, Del. – $40 million in American Rescue Act funding is slated to go to several libraries across the state of Delaware.

These investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Relief Fund. The $40 million of investments announced will improve nine libraries across the state. The funding will be used for new construction and improvements to existing structures.

Improvement plans are as follows:

$7 million to the Selbyville Library for a new building
$5.6 million to the Harrington Library for a new building
$750,000 to the Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion
$900,000 to the Milford Public Libary for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
$7.8 million to the Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library to build an expanded library
$11 million to the North Wilmington Library for a new building
$4 million to the Newark Public Library for a new building
$3 million to the Rehoboth Beach Public Libary for upgrades

We’re also told the Governor’s Recommended Bond Bill for FY 2023 includes an additional $26.8 million in state funding to match the federal funding for five new libraries.