Milford Public Library will hold their inaugural “Pay What You Will” yard sale on Saturday, May 2 from 10 AM to 2 PM. The sale will be adjacent to the Riverwalk Farmer’s Market which opens that same day.
“We are cleaning out our storage as we prepare for renovations,” Leah Rosell, Executive Director of the library, said. “Everything must go. Join us under the portico and donate what you can for the items you decide to take home!”
Milford Public Library is currently undergoing an extensive renovation this summer designed to improve functionality and safety. The $4.9 million project currently has $3.3 million in funding from the Delaware bond bill, Community Reinvestment Funds, American Rescue Plan Act funding and private donation.
Although the square footage will remain the same, the interior layout will change significantly. Whiting Turner will begin working on the interior in September with construction to begin in November. Upgrades will include new HVAC equipment and ductwork, additional electrical access points that will allow more charging options for patrons as well as relocation of the upper-level restrooms.
“The bathrooms are out of sight of staff, and this presents a safety issue with the ongoing drug crisis,” Rosell said at a council meeting last year. “I have had to use Narcan several times myself due to overdoses in the restrooms.
The bathrooms will be moved closer to the computer room within sight of the circulation desk. Lights will be installed that will flash if someone is in the bathroom for an extended period. Another safety upgrade will be shorter bookshelves which will allow staff better views throughout the library.
Because the shorter shelves will leave less room for materials for circulation, items will be removed from the shelves after two years rather than the current three. One of the items that will be removed are CD books which visitors are not using as frequently now.
The Teen Center, which is now located on the second floor, will be moved to the first floor to reduce noise that can bother other patrons. This also allows teens to be closer to younger siblings in the Children’s Room. Collaboration and study rooms will be added, heavy, outdated furniture replaced and signage in Spanish and Creole installed. A gift shop for the Friends of the Milford Library is also planned.
“We turn 100 next year and are planning a year-long celebration,” Rosell said. “Events like the “Pay What You Can” Yard Sale helps us raise some of the funds we need to complete the renovations before our 100th year.”
The library is accepting donations for the project. Learn more by visiting them online, stopping in at 11 Southeast Front Street, Milford or calling 302-422-8996.
