Rehoboth library preparing to install temporary entrance
Due to construction related to its renovation, the Rehoboth Beach Public Library will temporarily close Monday, Jan. 19, to Sunday, Jan. 25.
Library Director Lauren McAuley said the pending temporary closure is needed so the contractor can install a temporary door into the part of the library that isn’t immediately being renovated. Some of the work began this week with the installation of an interior wall separating the renovation work from the collections area, she said.
Library officials have said from the start that temporary closures will be needed throughout construction. The library was closed for about a month in late 2025 to put some items into storage and to consolidate its collection.
Overall, renovation work includes a second restroom, more employee space, a smaller circulation desk, a retractable wall in the second-floor meeting space, three small study rooms and a larger meeting room. There will also be significant upgrades to the HVAC system and other electrical hardware.
The estimated cost of the project is $7.5 million to $8 million. Over half of the money to fund the project – $6 million – is coming from the state’s bond bill and the American Rescue Plan Act. The library announced a capital campaign to fund the remaining amount in December.
The expected completion date for this project is the end of this year.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
