Pocomoke Library excited for expansion after grant funding

MARYLAND – Pocomoke Library has been issued a $3.9 million grant to help with new construction and expansion, and Worcester County Commissioners are set to replace the aging building as early as 2025.

Accessibility is of high priority according to the library’s Assistant Branch Manager Nicole Punches. She says they have plenty of books, but that’s not the only reason someone may need to come to the library. “It’s obviously exciting for us. We’re not a wealthy community, so the state funding is also important to get the project underway… We do DVDs, but the computers that we offer, so people can come apply for jobs, which nowadays, most applications are online. I think were the only place that offers the free Wi-Fi to come in and use the computers.

Punches says she’s excited for the construction phase, and that the expansion will help with more than just stack space. She also says that some people may be confused on where funding is coming from, and that’s why she wants to clear things up. “So, we’ll get more small space, we’re going to have a local history room, which allows us to bring some of our articles back, that are local to our history here, people can come into the library and research and study… We wish more people understood, that no we’re not taking money out of your pocket, and then saying oh this is for you, we’re getting funding from the state, were getting funding from the county, we’re going to do fundraisers.”

Library officials say the building opened in 1970, and the new building is the same location on Market Street, but it will be larger. The plan is to have more space for collections, quiet study, programming, and community meetings. Construction is scheduled to begin this Fall.