Rehoboth Beach Public Library Renovation Work & Fundraising Campaign Underway
UPDATED – 12/19/25 – The Rehoboth Beach Public Library is undergoing a renovation at its Rehoboth Avenue location. A campaign to raise $2-million for the renovation project has been launched. This campaign will help the library to grow its capacity, improve infrastructure and ensure the Rehoboth Beach Public Library remains a welcoming and future-ready institution.
The library has received $3-million from ARPA and a State of Delaware Bond Bill. Construction on the renovation is already underway and expected to be complete in 2026.
Additional information from the Rehoboth Beach Public Library:
Library Board President Kay Wheatley announced the campaign saying, “We could not be more excited to kick off this once-in-a-generation campaign. Our goals are bold, even ambitious, but the only thing greater than our ambition is our optimism in achieving this together.”
Contributions from individuals, businesses, and local civic organizations will be raised at all levels from $1.00 to $100,000, including naming opportunities which range from $10,000 to $50,000.
To continue meeting their needs, the Library Task Force and Board of Trustees approved conceptual designs in summer 2024 to renovate the downtown location. In November, Whiting Turner was hired as the Construction Manager to lead the project. Construction began in December 2025, and is expected to complete in 2026, with work happening in phases to keep library closures minimal, the library open and essential services running throughout the project.
The renovation will address three critical areas:
- Upgrading the Library’s HVAC system will prevent program cancellations and ensure year-round comfort and safety. Upgraded electrical and internet capabilities will allow high speed connectivity for remote workers and students alike.
- Reconfiguring meeting and study space, increases availability by 40-50% with the addition of 2 study/meeting rooms.
- ADA-compliant improvements will ensure that all patrons, regardless of ability, can navigate and utilize our facilities with dignity and ease.
This project will serve:
- Children and teens, who rely on the library for summer camps, literacy programs, and safe, enriching activities.
- Adults and seniors, who participate in workshops, cultural events, and lifelong learning programs.
- Local organizations and nonprofits, who use our meeting spaces for public forums, training sessions, and community outreach.
Remote workers, tutors, and students, who depend on our study rooms for quiet, reliable workspace. Wheatley concluded, “Beyond physical improvements, this project will strengthen the role of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library as a responsive civic anchor. With flexible, functional space, we can host life-long learning courses, professional development workshops, and emergency community meetings—services currently limited by space constraints.”
We invite everyone in the Rehoboth Beach community to join us in this vibrant and important campaign at https://rehobothlibraryreno.my.canva.site/main
============================================================
ORIGINAL STORY – 11/21/25 – Renovation of the Rehoboth Beach Public Library will begin before the end of this year. City officials say the sidewalk in front of the library will be impacted by the renovation work – and the sidewalk will be at least partially closed beginning after Thanksgiving, but officials hope to have pedestrian-friendly and accessible routes throughout the project – especially during the summer season. The library renovation is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027 – but the facility will remain open with intermittent pauses as needed.
Approved in 2024, the project will bring essential repairs, modern upgrades, and flexible community meeting spaces. As soon as the work along Rehoboth Avenue is completed, the amount of sidewalk that is taken up can be reduced.
This effort is funded in part by an ARPA grant, State of Delaware Bond Bill, and generous community donors.
To learn more about the project, please visit: rehoboth library reno.my.canva.site