The Project:

In 2004, the City of Dover contracted with Robert H. Rohlf Associates to evaluate current library services within the City. The study indicated that existing library services were substandard and “strongly recommended” a new library facility be constructed in downtown Dover. 
Link: www.cityofdover.com/media/documents/RDFPlan2004.pdf

In 2005, the State Library commissioned Himmel & Wilson Library Consultants to draft a strategic plan, Twenty Years Forward: a Statewide Library Services and Construction Infrastructure for Delaware Libraries. The strategic plan recommended that one Anchor Library for each county be designated. The Dover Public Library was designated by the State Library to serve as the Anchor Library for Kent County.
Link: http://state.lib.de.us/For_Libraries/Planning/Statewide_Master_Plan/index-20050420.shtml

For the past three years, the Delaware Council on Libraries has identified the building of a new Anchor Library for Dover as its number one priority for state construction funding. The City of Dover’s Mission Statement identifies the establishment of a regional library for Dover as its highest priority. In early 2008, the City engaged the services of Holzman, Moss Architects, LLP to assist with site selection and draft a building plan for the new Dover “Anchor” Public Library.

What is an “Anchor” Library:
Anchor libraries are designed to be sized between 40,000 and 60,000 square feet and are charged with the mission of providing strong collections of materials in a variety of formats and with enough depth to meet the research and popular reading needs of the public; to provide professional staffing for services during extended hours and support for other county libraries; to provide computer training facilities; and to provide meeting and conference rooms for library and public usage.

Where will the new library be located:
The new library facility will be located on land donated by the City for library purposes along Loockerman Street next to the City of Dover municipal offices and across the street from the Delaware State Archives, the Biggs Museum, and the Legislative Green. The facility is planned to be approximately 46,000 square feet.

What will a new library building provide:
The library facility will house expanded materials collections for all ages and stages of life; adequate space for the development of a dynamic children’s learning environment; adequate space for teen enrichment; space to continue Dover’s participation as a Foundation Center cooperating library; a technology center for computer training classes and future technological developments; and meeting and conference rooms to meet the needs of the Library and the community. Of highest priority in the new building will be the expansion of literacy and English as a Second Language programs to meet the needs of a population rapidly diversifying. 187 parking places are planned for the site.