Invest in Our Community

Many residents expect a public library to be a government-funded entity. The discovery that eleven of our public libraries in Sussex County are heavily reliant on bake sales, book drives, and private appeals can come as a tremendous shock. But that is the case for the following libraries in our county: 

• Bridgeville Public Library

• Delmar Public Library

• Frankford Public Library

• Georgetown Public Library

• Laurel Public Library

• Lewes Public Library

• Milford Public Library

• Millsboro Public Library

• Rehoboth Beach Public Library

• Seaford Public Library

• Selbyville Public Library

Since these libraries were established, they have only received a portion of the funds we need to pay for library programs, salaries, utilities, insurance, building maintenance, and more from public funds. They must raise between 13 and 52% of their operating budgets each year, and this year they must raise more than $2.5 million to operate.   
 

We are advocating for a modest adjustment to our library's dedicated tax funding. This tax was last adjusted in 2008, over 18 years ago!  The current average library tax paid by property owners in Sussex County is less than $10.00 per year per property, or less than 5 cups of Wawa coffee each year.   We are recommending to Sussex County Council that the tax should be adjusted to an average of $20.00 per property per year.
 

This small adjustment will provide the security needed to offer consistent, high-quality services comparable to those in our service area.   It will allow us to move beyond a "shoestring budget" and build a resilient infrastructure that benefits everyone.
 

We are not just asking for funds; we are inviting you to invest in a shared vision for a more literate, well-educated, and connected community. Join us in advocating for a strong, stable future for these eleven cornerstone community resources.  Stand with us to ensure our library remains a vital lifeline for generations to come.