Duck Creek Regional Library Opens In Smyrna

buildingdelmarva
Jun 13
2 min read

Updated: Jun 13

After a year of construction and over 18 years in planning, the new Duck Creek Library opened in downtown Smyrna this week. BuildingDelmarva.com visited recently to check out the new site! Located at 22 South Main Street, the new Library is over 10 times larger than it's previous spot.

The former Smyrna Library was in operation for over 155 years and was last located just a block down Main Street. The space was tight, dated and limited the offerings that you'd expect from a modern public library. The final day there was March 15th.

The new Library is about 22,000 square feet and sits on a deep lot with frontage directly on Main Street. Most of the Library is new construction, however a remodel was completed on the existing brick building that once housed a post office.

The main entrance is located on the side of the new building. Stepping into the entrance, you're greeted with a bright and spacious entryway with grand ceilings. The Library is sectioned off into different "categories" - teens area, children's area, adult lounge, a family corner, computer spaces and of course lots of books!

Also included in the new Library are two meeting rooms - one that can hold 250 people and one that can hold about 50. The 250 person room can even be partitioned off if a smaller space is needed. A catering kitchen is also available so that these rooms can be rented for events.

A nice outdoor patio area with bright colored seating as well as a drive up window have also been included. Space for staff includes separate offices, lounges and bathrooms.

Library Card

When I visited, I was sure to sign up for a library card for the family. Signing up gives you access to library computer usage, all e-media offered through all Delaware libraries and digital access to the DLC mobile app. E-media includes eBooks, newspapers, magazines, audio books and several free online book websites.

I was honestly shocked at how much is available for free by just signing up!

Parking Lot Expansion

Some may remember the Town of Smyrna had just expanded the parking area where this expansion was built. Additional parking area was donated to the Town by the nearby Smyrna Health and Wellness Center, so there are plenty of spaces nearby.

Library Funding

The total cost of construction and furnishings is about $18.8 million. Much of the funding came from local, state and federal allocations. The Library's governing group, the Friends of Duck Creek Library also raised about 1 million dollars and are always accepting donations!

In specific locations within Delaware, a "library tax district" exists as part of the county property taxes. Revenue generated from these tax districts is specifically dedicated to supporting the local library's operations, covering costs like staff salaries, collections, programs, and utilities.

Be sure to visit the new Library during "Smyrna at Night", on Saturday, June 14th!