By 1808Delaware
Delaware County, you’ve done it! The Delaware County District Library (DCDL) has announced an incredible achievement—reaching 100,000 cardholders! This milestone is a testament to the vibrant community of storytellers, book lovers, and lifelong learners who call Delaware County home. 📚🎉
Your Library, Your Community
Since its founding, DCDL has grown into a key resource in Delaware County, Ohio, offering a wide array of services and programs that cater to readers, learners, and cultural explorers of all ages. Established in 1906, the library now operates across five branches: Delaware Main Library, Liberty Branch Library, Orange Branch Library, Ostrander Branch Library, and Powell Branch Library. Each branch strives to offer a welcoming space tailored to meet the needs of the diverse community it serves.
From toddlers at storytime to tech-savvy adults using the audio recording booths, the Delaware County District Library remains committed to fostering a love of learning and connection for everyone.
Branches: Where the Magic Happens
- Delaware Main Library (84 E Winter St, Delaware, OH 43015): Serving as the hub of library operations, this historic branch welcomes everyone, featuring accessible facilities and diverse resources.
- Liberty Branch Library (7468 Steitz Rd, Powell, OH 43065): The newest addition, opened in 2023, offers family-friendly amenities like nursing rooms and kid-friendly activities.
- Orange Branch Library & Ostrander Branch Library: Providing comprehensive services, technology access, and space for community gatherings.
- Powell Branch Library: Currently undergoing repairs until December 2, 2024, but ready to come back better than ever.
Inclusivity is a priority for DCDL, with each branch designed to be accessible to everyone, offering wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking.
Programs, Services, and Community Offerings
Beyond just books, DCDL offers a variety of resources that enhance community life:
- Technology & Study Spaces: Access computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, wireless printing, and even audio recording booths. Meeting rooms are also available for groups needing space.
- Outreach & Home Services: Can’t make it to the library? No problem—home delivery services ensure that those unable to visit still get to enjoy what DCDL has to offer.
- Educational Programming: Featuring a range of storytimes (Baby Storytime, Preschool Storytime), book clubs, and student learning resources.
- Cultural Access: Partnerships like the Central Ohio Symphony Culture Pass program give students under 18 the chance to enjoy cultural events for free.
DCDL branches also regularly host events such as holiday string light recycling drives and celebrate observances like National Native American Heritage Month with dedicated programming.
A Journey Through History: From 1906 to Today
DCDL’s story is one deeply intertwined with the community it serves. The library’s roots trace back to 1890, when a group of women formed a reading club in Delaware. This club grew into the Delaware City Library Association by 1898, opening the first community reading room in the Masonic Temple by 1900.
In 1902, Andrew Carnegie, the famous philanthropist, provided a $25,000 grant for the construction of a dedicated library building. Completed in 1906 at 101 N. Sandusky Street, the neoclassical-style Carnegie Library became the beating heart of learning in Delaware. Over time, the library adapted to accommodate a growing collection and community needs. By the 1950s, it had expanded to serve all of Delaware County and evolved into what we now know as DCDL.
Significant milestones in the library’s journey include:
- 1949: Introduction of bookmobiles, bringing books directly to residents across the county.
- 1984: A major relocation to a larger facility at 84 E. Winter Street, where Delaware Main Library remains today.
- 1990s-2020s: Steady expansion, with new branches in Ostrander, Powell, and Orange, culminating in the opening of the Liberty Branch in 2023 to meet the needs of Delaware County’s growing population.
Looking Ahead: Imagining the Next Chapter
As DCDL celebrates 100,000 cardholders, they also look forward to continuing their legacy of adapting and growing alongside the community. Plans for more educational programs, enhanced outreach services, and new digital resources are all on the horizon. The library is more than a collection of books—it’s a living, breathing part of the community, committed to inspiring imagination, building connections, and fostering a love of discovery for everyone.
