With the help of our community, we aim to raise at least $1,250,000 over the next two years to support the Newark Free Library’s new building. These funds will play an important role in enabling us to expand services and create a space that truly meets the needs of our growing community. The project will include improved parking, upgraded meeting spaces, a state-of-the-art performance hall, an enhanced children’s area, and expanded teen and youth services.
Together we can make the dream of a state-of-the-art Newark Free Library become a reality.
This fundraising campaign will provide a structure (shown above) that more than doubles the square footage of the current building, adding the room the library needs to thrive in the future.
first floor plan
second floor plan
key facts
• 2-story, 40,000 - sq ft building
• Project budget – $44.4 million
• FY26 bond bill request - due to cost escalation
key features
• Performance space
• Rooftop terrace
• Emphasis on nature and sustainability
• Automated Return System
• Maker Lab
• E-Sports Room
• Tech Lab
the mission of the friends is to provide volunteer and financial support to the Newark Free Library to enhance its ability to serve our community.
“...to
promote knowledge and understanding of the functions, resources, services, and needs of the library; to encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests to the library, and to help the library develop its services and facilities for the Newark community.”
Friends ofthe Newark Free Library misson c. 1966
imagine futurethe
performance hall
interior space
view from the north entry view from the bridge
rooftop terrace
imagine when library of champions
For over 300 years, the residents of Newark have imagined more for their library. Unlike many others, the Newark Free Library was not established by a single wealthy benefactor or by an act of local government. Instead, it grew from the collective efforts and dreams of dedicated community members.
Starting in 1763
Oral history tells us that a private library existed in Newark, Delaware, as early as 1763. The first written record of a library appears in minutes dating from December 14, 1858, to March 18, 1862, documenting the activities of the Newark Library and Literary Association.
Over the years, the library frequently moved among various donated business locations, including the New Century Club in 1917 and the Newark Academy Building in 1920. In 1935, under the guidance of Jean Sinclair, the library was renamed the Newark Free Library, reflecting its commitment to providing free access to knowledge for all. As the population of Newark continued to grow, so did the needs of the library.
1920 Location: Newark Academy Building
1917 Location: Newark Century Club 1957 Location: St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Current Location: Library Avenue
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1950s
Old Academy and High School Building
1975 The Student statue dedicated
hometown heroes
On March 24, 1966, approximately 100 charter members formally organized the Friends of the Newark Free Library (FNFL). Their vision and dedication laid the foundation for ongoing community support and have shaped its path.
Ada Leigh Soles: Served on the New Castle County Library Advisory Board from 1975-80 and 1992-99, including as Chair from 1975-77. She was also Chair of the State Library Advisory Board from 1976-78 and a Delaware delegate to the 1991 White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services. Her dedication to public libraries earned her several awards, including a 1984 Citation from the Delaware Council on Libraries, a 1991 plaque from the Delaware Library Association, and a 1985 Distinguished Service Citation. In 2000, the American Library Association included her on its Honor Roll of Library Advocates and recognized her as one of the five most impactful Delawareans on public libraries in the 20th century. Her proudest achievement was co-chairing the Grants in Aid Reform Committee, which increased public library funding by 1,000%.
To learn more about some of our other hometown heroes, scan here:
Jean Sinclair
Sam Handloff
Genevieve Brown
Jim Neal
Henry Folsom
Yvonne Puffer
Charlesa Lowell
By acknowledging our hometown heroes, we honor their legacy and recognize the vital role they played in making the Newark Free Library a cornerstone of our community.
1982 First computer installed
1999 A rebronzing of the Student statue was unveiled 1996 Electronic catalog system
2003: Newark Free
Ethnicity
$78,187
City of Newark demographics
7,063 (23%)
Households with one or more people under 18 14% Work from home
Literacy Programs
Literacy Programs
Newark Free Library statistics
Storytimes Dolly Parton Paws for People Author Events Pages/IMAZINE Imagination Library
Storytimes Paws for People Author Events Dolly Parton Imagination Library Pages/IMAZINE
Non-Traditional Items
Specialized Resources
846 Programs on site
17,404 Program Attendees Hotspots
417, 755 Items Circulated
107,829 Patron Visits
20,010 Registered Users
imagine success
sustainable elements
magine possibili the
Imagine the possibilities this new library will offer in the lives of our community members. Your gift will create a secure and successful future for the Newark Free Library and its patrons. Be a part of the journey and imagine more...
We invite you to become a part of our capital campaign by considering our named giving opportunities. This allows you to leave a lasting family legacy or honor someone special in a meaningful way.
$12k Work Play Corral (2) $25k Audio Visual $40k The Everbright $100k Grand Piano
$4k - 8k Percussion Play (5)
$175k TMC Early Learning Play Structures
$6k Activity Tables (2)
imagine how you can help
One Time Gifts paid through cash, check, securities, or other charitable methods that best meet your philanthropic and financial needs.
Pledges can be paid over 2 - 3 years
Matching Gifts which can double the impact of your gift through a corporate matching gift program. Check with your employer.
Legacy Gifts made in memory of a loved one or friend, or given to celebrate holidays, birthdays or milestones, with acknowledgement sent to the person or organization that is being honored.
Planned Gifts through your will or estate, or various planned gifts can provide significant tax benefits for the donor while helping the Newark Free Library to have greater impact in the community, now and into the future.
There are many ways you can give…and all gifts are greatly needed and deeply appreciated!
Mail in/Multi-Year Pledge:
Friends of the Newark Free Library (FNFL)
Capital Campaign
P.O. Box 8093
Newark, DE 19714 making your gift
imagineers
friends of the newark free library board of directors members of the
Barbara Jo German – President
Sue Peters – Vice President
Roberta Sullivan – Treasurer
Deb Morehead – Recording Secretary
Katy Ferrero – Corresponding Secretary
Honorable Polly Sierer, Former Mayor of Newark
Mae Gaskins
Margie Masino
Carol McKelvey
Darin Powell
Patricia Rachek
Mark Rusinko
Lynne Wegman
Judy Taggart – Ex-Officio
capital campaign committee
Polly Sierer – Chair
Lyn Henshaw – Co-Chair
Constance Cooper
Barbara Jo German
Terri Gillespie
Pat Hallinan
Sue Peters
Katy Ferrero
Carol McKelvey
Denise Van Deroef
Roberta Sullivan
Lynne Wegman
Cathy Wojewodzki
capital campaign consultants
Yorkston Consulting – Cam and Kathy Yorkston members of the
capital campaign advisory board
Mary Doody – Assistant Dean DelTech (former)
Pamela Draper – Newark Arts Alliance
Melinda Failing – Delaware School for the Deaf
Honorable Ed Freel – Former DE Secretary of State
Jayme Gravell – City of Newark
Lois Hoffman – Author
Tim Hopkins – Chemours Discovery Hub
Tyrone Jones – Bloom Energy
Chris Manna – Kennett Library
Kathy Matt – UD College of Health Sciences
Caitlin Olsen – UD Government Relations
Catherine Soles
“Public libraries are the heart and soul of any community. They are a place to read and think and browse and dream.”
— Mary McNear, author
Library Avenue Newark, DE your generosity will be celebrated for generations to come.
