Harrington Library Groundbreaking in Delaware
With the groundbreaking at the Harrington Library, many important improvements will be made within the library.
As the years have passed, the Harrington Public Library has been overlooked in terms of upgrades and renovations that would bring it to the level most public libraries sit at throughout the state.
Until now, Harrington Public Library was the only one in Delaware that didn’t have a purpose-built facility, but fortunately, that’s about to change.
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, and its Capital Projects Fund, the library is finally equipped with enough funding to make improvements, not only to Harrington Public Library, but others across Delaware as well. As part of this endeavor, and to qualify for funding, the library’s upgrade project is required to engage in projects that will specifically enable education, health access, and work capabilities throughout the facility.
This change has been a long time coming, as the Harrington Public Library has struggled with limited space and the challenges that come with trying to find workarounds for unchangeable building layouts.
Recently, facilitators of this project have broken ground on the Harrington Public Library’s new 15,000-square-foot facility, which will more than satisfy the need for space and modern amenities. The project is expected to be completed towards the end of 2024.
The Bigger Picture
Investing in public libraries is an economically sound decision, as public libraries provide immeasurable value for patrons, including employment assistance, adequate gathering spaces, health and educational resources, access to social services, and much more.
As Senator Tom Carper said, “When we invest in our libraries, we are helping someone find a job, providing a safe place for the community to gather, and giving people access to resources that they wouldn’t normally have.”
Libraries effectively centralize a myriad of public services and resources, which makes them more accessible to library patrons and individuals in need throughout the community.
The Harrington Public Library has struggled to make do with the space it had available, and finally, library staff and community liaisons no longer have to contend with these struggles. Upon the end of the project, Harrington will have a new, purpose-built library facility just like every other public library throughout the state of Delaware.
Stay tuned for more news on the new Harrington Public Library. Updates will come as they’re announced.
SOURCES
https://www.wmdt.com/2023/06/ground-broken-on-new-public-library-in-harrington/