By 1808Delaware
When the doors of the Delaware County District Library swing open on Monday, September 15, patrons across the county will step into more than just their local branch. They’ll step into a new chapter of library service, one that promises longer hours, more opportunities, and a renewed commitment to community access.
A Promise Fulfilled
“With the passage of the Library’s levy, our first promise fulfilled to the community is to extend our operating hours,” said DCDL Director Bryan Howard. “The community overwhelmingly let us know they wanted more hours across the board at all Library locations. We are extraordinarily pleased to deliver on that promise in just four months.”
The increase is significant. Across the Delaware, Liberty, Orange, Ostrander, and Powell branches, hours will expand by 51 percent — adding 117 operational hours each week. For the first time in its history, the Ostrander Branch will open on both Sundays and Mondays.
New Library Hours
Beginning September 15, all branches will follow the same schedule:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
“This will be the first time in DCDL’s history that our Ostrander Branch will be open on Sundays and Mondays,” said Ostrander Branch Manager Mandy Henning. “We are thrilled to open our doors to our growing community for an extra two days!”
To support the longer schedule, the Library hired 26 new staff members over the summer. “When we open our doors on September 15, patrons can expect the same exceptional level of customer service from all our staff — both current and new — that they have come to know and trust,” added Human Resources Coordinator Amanda Sheterom.
Grand Re-Opening Celebrations
Each of the five branches will host its own grand re-opening event on September 15. Festivities begin at 8:50 AM with remarks from local dignitaries and library staff, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 AM. Trustees, chamber leaders, and community partners will help mark the occasion.
Special touches include giveaways provided by DCDL and the Friends of the Library, a photo op with Percy Unicorn at the Delaware Branch from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, and extended book sale hours at the Liberty Branch from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
More Than Just Hours
The expansion doesn’t stop with schedules. Evening storytimes at the Delaware and Orange branches will shift to 6:30 PM to better fit family routines. Study rooms and community spaces will now match branch hours, opening more options for meetings and student work. Online offerings are also growing, with new digital tools like Mango Languages and Scholastic Teachables joining the catalog, and expanded Hoopla access supported in part by a grant from SourcePoint.
Looking ahead, Maker Studio services at the Delaware and Liberty branches are set to expand in late 2025.
Opening Doors, Building Futures
“The first three words of our library’s mission statement are ‘We open doors,’” said Howard. “That day will be the product of years of preparation. From early planning in 2023 to the levy campaign this year, we’re thrilled to welcome the public back to the Delaware County District Library with the access they deserve.”
Image by Greg Reese from Pixabay
