The doors are now open at the Brandywine Hundred Library, which has been closed for more than four months for HVAC work and a new roof. Ken Mammarella photo
The Brandywine Hundred Library opened to patrons on Monday for the first time since it was closed Feb. 1 for maintenance.
While the library was closed, the county removed most of the flowers and shrubs from the landscaping in front of the building, replacing them with fresh mulch. A sign promises new landscaping with native plants.
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Inside the library are dozens of boxes of incoming items to be processed.
New Castle County planned a “soft opening to the public” on Monday and Tuesday, and then the Foulk Road building will be closed on Wednesday for Juneteenth and on Thursday for its regular weekly closure.
Library plans reopening celebration
A “reopening celebration” has been scheduled for Friday, June 21.
“BHL’s new HVAC system is more energy-efficient, and patrons may notice improved airflow throughout the building,” said Catherine Wimberley, a spokeswoman for the county library system. “Simultaneously, ductwork was removed and replaced where necessary to ensure healthier air quality. The project also encompassed a roof replacement, ceiling repairs and painting of damaged areas.”
Hours and operating days at the Woodlawn and Claymont libraries had increased during the closure, but those libraries are scheduled to return this week to their old schedules, she said.
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The Brandywine library will resume the schedule it had in January.
The work was originally planned to take three months, but a final inspection of the heating and ventilating system did not occur until the weekend of June 15.
Brandywine staff noticed many of their regular patrons visiting other libraries. Claymont Library had the highest impact, with April circulation up 251% and visits up 150%. All New Castle County Libraries saw April circulation increases of 21%-48% and visit increases of 15%-42%.
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