Public commenter urges county committee to review Wilmington Public Library staffing, safety and funding

Don Farrell, a landlord and tenant‑rights advocate, used the public comment portion of the Community Service Committee meeting on Jan. 28 to urge the committee to convene a meeting with Wilmington Public Library staff about staffing, safety and funding.

Farrell said library staff feel unsafe at work and that the library has been unable to buy new periodicals; he asked the committee to hear the library’s concerns and consider additional funding. "I would hope that your committee meet with the staff of the Wilmington Library to hear their concerns," he said.

Councilman Hollins responded that New Castle County funds all county libraries using a formula based on need and that the county has previously invested to address infrastructure issues. Hollins described prior county investments at the downtown Wilmington library — including work to separate air‑conditioning systems linked to the Hotel DuPont — and said the county seeks to provide equal access to library services across the county.

Why it matters: Public libraries provide community services including learning resources and quiet study spaces; the commenter said staff safety and the ability to supply materials are affecting the library’s mission. Committee members acknowledged the concern and discussed the county’s role in library funding and access.

What’s next: Hollins said the county can look into the issues raised; no formal committee action was taken during the meeting.