Special Section

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Green Space for Everyone
New Castle is building parks for all corners of the county.
Where the horses reach out
It may be therapeutic and educational, but kids typically use a different word to describe New Castle County’s Therapeutic Riding at Carousel (TRAC) program.
A Good Place to Get Fit
New Castle county offers sports and exercise programs to suit just about everyone.
More Than A Collection of Books
County libraries transform thriving communities.
Going Green to Save Costs and the Environment
New police headquarters a model for energy efficient buildings of the future.
Planning for the Future
County leaders envision affordable, connected communities.

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More Than A Collection of Books
County libraries transform thriving communities.

Children listen as Michelle Visser reads a book during Gardening Storybook Time at the Elsmere Public Library.

Once upon a time, children in Hockessin checked out library books from a book mobile, because there was no library in their area. Children in Glasgow had to go to Newark or Kirkwood Highway to use a public library.

Today, the library system serves communities across the county, with locations in Hockessin, Bear, Newark, Brandywine Hundred, Middletown, Wilmington and beyond. Families make full use of library services, which include homework help, story times, and summer reading programs.

In an age of instantaneous Web surfing and mega-bookstores, the county’s libraries are actually getting busier.

Last year saw registered library patrons jump to 220,000 – a gain of 20,000 people in one year, according to Anne Farley, the county’s community services general manager.

There are more to the county’s libraries than books. Today’s libraries serve a high-tech world and offer something for everyone.

“As technologies and the needs of residents have changed, we have transformed county libraries into community centers. Today our patrons can join a book club, take their children to story time, use a computer to apply for jobs online or learn about local history,” County Executive Chris Coons adds.

The county system provides courses in drawing, mutual fund investing and credit report practices. Two branches offer bilingual story times for children, while others feature story times focused on science and math. The libraries also host book clubs for young readers and for seniors, as well as chess clubs, writers’ groups, movie buff gatherings and even an occasional meeting for ghost hunters.

Entrepreneurs can turn to county libraries as a resource as they start or grow their businesses. Reference librarians can help patrons navigate printed and online resources from government and other sources. Additionally, most county libraries offer free wireless Internet access, turning them into alternative work spaces for those who telecommute.

“Today’s county libraries meet essential needs for our residents,” adds County Councilman Penrose Hollins. “Whether you are looking for job leads, classes on buying your first home, English as a second language assistance, or books for a school project, New Castle County’s 12 libraries are there to help. Come check us out.”

Photo by Stephen Cherry