Frankford Public Library
🏢 Delaware Division of Libraries · Frankford, Delaware
Frankford Public Library
Frankford Public Library opened in November 1931 with $100 in state funding, 28 books and a borrowed tinsmith shop — and has never stopped growing. Today it occupies the historic First National Bank building on Main Street, donated in 1981, and serves southern Sussex County with evening hours three nights a week, adult literacy classes and citizenship programs.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–7pm |
| Thursday | 10am–7pm |
| Friday | 12pm–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–2pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 8 Main Street, Frankford, DE 19945
Phone: (302) 732-9351
Website: frankford.lib.de.us
Plus Code: 87C6GQ88+V3 (Frankford, DE)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Frankford Public Library
Frankford Public Library traces its roots to November 1931, when the tiny town of Frankford, Delaware launched a library with just $100 of state money and 28 books in a local tinsmith shop. Alice Gum guided it through its first 27 years as librarian, building community trust one borrowed book at a time. A pivotal moment came in 1981 when the First National Bank of Frankford donated its Main Street building to the library; combined with a National Endowment for the Humanities grant secured with the help of Senator William V. Roth, this gift enabled the library to modernize and expand its collection. Today the library operates from that historic bank building at 8 Main Street, offering Sussex County residents three evenings of extended hours, a private teleservices room for confidential appointments, adult literacy instruction and citizenship education — while the Delaware Library Catalog connects every cardholder to the shared statewide collection and a full suite of digital resources.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded November 1931 with only $100 and 28 books, launched inside a tinsmith shop — one of Delaware's grassroots community libraries
- Home since 1981 in the historic First National Bank building on Main Street, donated to the library by the bank and renovated with NEH grant support
- Senator William V. Roth helped secure renovation funding, reflecting the library's long ties to Delaware's civic leadership
- Dedicated teleservices private room available by appointment for confidential video calls and telehealth visits
- Adult literacy instruction and citizenship programs serving multilingual residents of southern Sussex County
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Frankford cardholders access Delaware's statewide digital collections free with their library card:
📚 Services
- Public computers, wireless printing & free Wi-Fi
- Private teleservices room for confidential appointments (by appointment)
- Adult literacy instruction
- Citizenship education program
- Interlibrary loan through the Delaware Library Catalog
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
- Library card registration and account services
🎸 Programs
- Children's programs and storytimes
- Teen programming
- Adult programs and events
- Adult literacy classes
- Citizenship education program
- Summer reading program
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southern Sussex County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Frankford · Browse all Delaware libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Frankford Public Library get its start in 1931?
The library launched in November 1931 with just $100 in state funding and 28 donated books, setting up in a tinsmith shop in Frankford. Alice Gum served as its first librarian for the next 27 years, nurturing the collection and the community it served through the Great Depression and beyond.
Why does the library now operate from a former bank building?
In 1981, the First National Bank of Frankford donated its Main Street building to the library. With additional renovation funding secured through a National Endowment for the Humanities grant — aided by Senator William V. Roth — the library transformed the historic bank into a modern community space that it still occupies today.
Does Frankford Public Library offer adult literacy or English-language programs?
Yes. The library provides adult literacy instruction and a citizenship education program, reflecting the needs of the multilingual communities in southern Sussex County. Contact the library at (302) 732-9351 for current schedules and registration information.
What is the teleservices room, and how do I book it?
The private teleservices room is a quiet, confidential space available by appointment for video calls, telehealth appointments or other needs requiring privacy. Contact the library at (302) 732-9351 to schedule a slot.
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