Draft:Wilmington Public Library
Wilmington Institute Free Library and Wilmington Institute Library should link here
Not to be confused with the Wilmington Public Library in Wilmington, Ohio


The Wilmington Public Library, also known as the Wilmington Institute Free Library,[1] is in Wilmington, Delaware. It received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Books on its opening, history, and holdings have been published.[2] It is at 10 East 10th Street.[3] The library is in the Rodney Square Historic District.
Wilmington Library Company was founded in 1788.[4]
Originally established as a private lending library, Wilmington Institute became a free public library known as Wilmington Institute.[5] It was built on the site of First Presbyterian Church, which relocated, and its cemetery.[6] Designed by Edward L. Tilton and Alfred Morton Githens, a library building was constructed for it from 1921-1923. Interior alterations were made form 1969-1971.[7]
A book truck was photographed outside the library in 1929.[8]
In 2024, Al Roker and his daughter were speakers at the library.[9] Michael Vick's scheduled appearance at the library in February 2025 was controversial.[10]
See also
[edit]- Timeline of Wilmington, Delaware
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Wilmington, Delaware
References
[edit]- ^ "The Wilmington Institute Free Library Named Finalist for 2022 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service". April 8, 2022.
- ^ "Wilmington Institute Free Library (Wilmington, Del.) | The Online Books Page". onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu.
- ^ https://wilmington.lib.de.us/
- ^ Davies Project. "American Libraries before 1876". Princeton University. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
- ^ "Trivits v. Wilmington Institute, 417 F. Supp. 160 (D. Del. 1976)". Justia Law.
- ^ Milford, Maureen. "Cemetery offers a lasting history". delawareonline.com. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
- ^ "Wilmington Public Library (Wilmington Institute Library) - University of Delaware Digital Collections". digitalcollections.udel.edu.
- ^ "Wilmington Institute Free Library, 1929 | Delaware Historical Society Digital Collections".
- ^ "Al Roker and Daughter Courtney Roker Laga Bring Family Stories and "Recipes to Live By" to Wilmington Public Library". October 29, 2024.
- ^ JoVonn, Jeroslyn (January 22, 2025). "Michael Vick's Appearance At Wilmington Public Library's Black History Month Event Draws Criticism".