In an age of digital overload and shrinking public spaces, the local library remains one of the last truly democratic institutions – a place where anyone, regardless of age, income or background, can access knowledge, connection and opportunity. But here’s a truth many may not realize: The Rehoboth Beach Public Library is not fully funded by state, county or municipal agencies. It is an independent library, and its growth and operation depend on us.

What does independent really mean? It means our library stands on its own, governed by a board of trustees – not locally nor by a county or state system. It means funding from government sources may be partial, inconsistent or earmarked for specific uses. And it means the library must raise additional funds to cover construction costs, operating costs, staff salaries, building maintenance and community programming.

Libraries are often seen as government-funded fixtures – quiet, reliable and permanent. Often, this is the case for neighboring states where state funds are distributed through their Department of Education as well as fixed line items in their local budgets which include city and county allocations. But the Rehoboth Beach Public Library tells a different story. It is an independent nonprofit, not a branch of a state or county system, and while it receives partial operating funding from Sussex County, the state of Delaware and the City of Rehoboth Beach, that support is far from sufficient to meet its growing needs.

While the City of Rehoboth Beach contributed a $75,000 grant last year, for operations only, the City of Rehoboth Beach and state – dispersed through the Division of Libraries – and county funds help with core services only. These sources do not cover capital improvements or long-term sustainability. That’s where individual and corporate donors step in.

This year, the library is embarking on a long-awaited $9 million renovation project that includes a 630-square-foot addition, upgraded HVAC, electrical and technology, reimagined spaces to include additional meeting and study rooms, as well as an updated exterior, new landscaping and larger workspace for the staff. These improvements will enhance accessibility, modernize the space and better serve the thousands of residents and visitors who rely on the library for everything from early literacy to digital access. But here's the catch: the renovation is not fully funded by public dollars. It depends on you, the community. While Rehoboth Beach Public Library has secured $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and approximately $4 million in state Bond Bill dollars for this capital campaign, it is in need of community support to raise the remaining $2 million.

Community support is essential because Rehoboth Beach Public Library is not just a building, it’s also a lifeline. Rehoboth Beach Public Library is more than a book lender; it is a cultural center that offers an extensive array of services to include, but not limited to, free internet and computer access, tax preparation, job search resources and digital literacy training, adult and lifelong learning programs, and children’s story times, programs and summer reading programs and activities. The current building, with its age and failing infrastructure, cannot keep up the exponential growth of its service area, and this renovation will allow the library to continue to provide these valuable services to the residents and visitors of Rehoboth Beach. 

When people assume the library is taken care of by the government, they may not see the urgency of supporting it. But without community involvement through donations, volunteering, advocacy and attendance, our library cannot thrive. And when libraries struggle, so do the communities they serve. That is why it is so important to have robust community contributions, so these services – and the renovation project – are carried out successfully.

So how can you help? 

• Donate: Every dollar helps bridge the funding gap
• Join the Friends group: Support advocacy and fundraising efforts
• Become a volunteer: Giving of your time to assist the patrons and staff is valuable
• Attend: Come attend the enriching programs the library offers and bring a friend
• Spread the word: Let neighbors know the library’s future depends on them.

Rehoboth Beach Public Library belongs to all of us, and it’s up to us to ensure it continues to grow, evolve and serve. The library is here for us, so let’s be there for it.

There are several opportunities to give, from naming opportunities to contribution-level donations, and gift of stocks. Visit the Rehoboth Beach Public Library’s capital campaign website at rehobothlibraryreno.my.canva.site/main or access it through the library’s website at rehoboth.lib.de.us or come in and visit to see the renderings and pick up a donation packet.