Milton library before expansion

The Milton Library Association was organized in January 1875 and incorporated in March 1883. The first library comprised one bookcase in Welch’s Store. Books were donated by members who paid an annual fee for user privileges.

In later years, the library was moved to a building on Front Street where it operated under the sponsorship of the Milton New Century Club. For a time it was housed on the second floor of the Palmer Building on Federal Street above the Milton Post Office.

In 1920, the library was moved to the Odd Fellows Building on Chestnut Street, where it continued to operate until moving to its existing location.

In desperate need of additional space, efforts to obtain a new facility were initiated in the 1970s. With the assistance of federal funds, the Conwell Building was purchased by Sussex County in September 1978. Built by William W. Conwell, the structure had housed a variety of businesses since its construction in 1912-13.

Following extensive renovation, the library was opened under county management in July 1980. Responding to a growing demand for services, adjoining property was purchased in 1998. The neighboring property had been the Milton Civic Center, but when the county purchased the property for $25,000, the civic center had deteriorated to the point where it could only be used for storage. The county’s acquisition was considered a win-win for the town because the library could be expanded and the town could rid itself of the building. Funding for the project was provided by Sussex County, the State of Delaware and the Friends of the Milton Public Library. The expanded facility was opened in December 2004.