Delanco approves school-library space agreement despite public concern over lost morning hours

The Delanco Township Committee approved Resolution 2026-10 on Aug. 3, 2026, authorizing execution of the library-space agreement with the Board of Education governing space at M. Joan Pearson School. The measure passed on a roll-call vote after committee discussion about weekday and Saturday hours.

Christine Holland, who identified herself as associated with the library board and spoke from 319 Delaware Avenue, told the committee she was disappointed that morning hours had been terminated under the library use agreement and emphasized the importance of daytime hours to patrons: "By now the committee is certainly aware, how important those daylight hours are to our patrons, but we can't unring the bell and understand those are lost for the time being." Committee members acknowledged the loss of morning access but said the approval secures library space for the foreseeable future.

Committee members and staff said they had worked to preserve historical recital language in the agreement and described outreach steps. The mayor noted township administrator outreach to Christine and the library association and said the township has offered use of the township building for morning programs that the library cannot run because of the new hours. The committee characterized the resolution as providing a stable location for the library for at least the next 14 years, with an option to revisit hours through continued dialogue with the school board and library trustees.

The resolution passed by roll call; several committee members voiced disappointment about the lost morning hours but said staff will try to identify alternative morning space and continue negotiations with the Board of Education.