Wicomico Library System Turns 140 Years Old

This week the Wicomico County Library turned 140 years young. A Celebration was held in honor us such a grand accomplishment. I left before the cake was served, so I can't tell you how good it was. However, here's some history on the system itself. Oh, before I forget. The last photo is Mr. & Mrs. Art & Dorothy Goetz. Art was the Director of the Wicomico County Library System for many years before retiring and turning things over to Tom Hehman. I'm very proud to say that Dot & Art Goetz are my In Laws.

Wicomico Public Library began as a subscription library in 1869, only two years after the formation of the county itself. By 1878 the library had increased its membership from 30 to 100 members. In the early 1900s interest waned and the library closed. It was successfully re-launched in 1916 and by 1923 was operating on a subscription of $1.00 a year.

By 1925, the library was recognized as a needed community service and the idea of free library service in Wicomico County was born. The doors opened on February 2, 1926 as the Salisbury-Wicomico Free Public Library; open two afternoons and one evening a week. This became officially known as the Wicomico County Free Library with the approval of the certificate of corporation on June 24, 1927. The need for more space moved the library to High Street, in its own building in 1934. In 1948 the first bookmobile was purchased and began service.

As services, patrons and materials increased, the library once again moved - to its present location on Division St. in 1963. In 1978 a major renovation started, which was completed in 1980. The building has essentially remained the same ever since.

In FY2008 circulation was 743,090; 804 programs were offered and attended by 13, 506 people. The library system has expanded to four locations, is open 197 hours per week, and has 69 public access computers. The newest bookmobile (the library’s fourth) started service in February 2007 and makes 30 stops per week around the county.