Georgetown, Del., April 8, 2009: The South Coastal Library is coming home.

After more than a year of construction and remodeling, the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach will re-open in an expanded, modernized facility at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2009.

Since November 2007, the library has been housed in temporary quarters in Millville to allow for a nearly $6 million expansion project at the Kent Avenue location. Now that major construction has ended, library staff has been busy moving items back into the facility.

“We can't wait for the community to get its first look at the new library,” said Director Sue Keefe. “It's a project that people have worked very hard to finish and I think the public will be happy with what they see.”

The multi-million-dollar expansion has added about 10,000 square feet to the 14-year-old facility – effectively doubling its size. The additional space gives the library more room for computers and books and adds much-needed space for meetings and cultural events.

Funding for the overall design and construction totals approximately $6 million, with $3 million coming from the State, $1.5 million from Sussex County government and up to $2 million from the Friends of the South Coastal Library group.

Library officials expect to hold a grand opening later this spring. For more information, contact the library at (302) 539-5231.

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