Milton Public Library

The Milton Library Association was organized in January 1875 and incorporated in March 1883. Its first library consisted of one bookcase in Welch’s Store, with books donated by members who paid an annual fee for user privileges. In later years the library moved to a building on Front Street and operated under the sponsorship of the Milton New Century Club. For a time it was housed on the second floor of the Palmer Building on Federal Street above the Milton Post Office. In 1920 the library moved to the Odd Fellows Building on Chestnut Street, where it continued to operate until moving to its present location. In the 1970s, as additional space became desperately needed, efforts began to obtain a new facility. With the assistance of federal funds, Sussex County purchased the Conwell Building on September 15, 1978. Built by William W. Conwell, the structure had housed a variety of businesses since its construction in 1912-13. Following extensive renovation, the library opened under county management in July 1980. Responding to growing demand for services, adjoining property was purchased in 1998 and plans for a major addition began. Funding for the project came from Sussex County, the State of Delaware, and the Friends of the Milton Public Library. The expanded facility opened in December 2004.

Milton, Delaware · United States