Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are we asking for?

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A: The Independent libraries are asking Sussex County Council to approve a modest increase to the Sussex County Library Tax in the FY28 budget process.  

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Q: What would it cost?

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A: It would cost the average property owner about $10 more annually and provide stable support for these essential public institutions.

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Q: What is the history of libraries in Delaware? 

The history is detailed in this document. Delaware Public Library System - Legal Foundation

 

Q: How much funding does the State of Delaware provide to the libraries in Sussex County?

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A: In FY2027, the State of Delaware will provide $977,888 in funding to Sussex County's eleven independent libraries and $438,685 to the County's three libraries, for a total state investment of $1,416,573. On average, this state funding represents approximately 15% of each library's operating budget.

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Q: How much funding will Sussex County provide to the eleven independent libraries in FY27?

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A: Sussex County has announced that its contribution to the eleven independent libraries will be $3,227,600. https://sussexcountyde.gov/sites/default/files/PDFs/2027_Budget_Presentation.pdf

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Q: How much funding must the eleven independent libraries raise in FY27 to support their operations?

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A: The eleven independent libraries must raise approximately $2.5 million to support their FY27 operating budgets. This amount represents the funding they must secure through local fundraising, donations, grants, endowments, and other non-tax revenue sources. This amount does not include additional funding that may be needed for capital expenses, such as major building maintenance, repairs, or facility improvements.

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Q: How much funding will Sussex County provide to support the three County-operated libraries?

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A: The FY27 Sussex County Budget, approved on June 16, 2026, appropriated $3,679,913 to support the County-operated library system, including the three County-managed libraries in Greenwood, Milton, and South Coastal (Bethany), the Bookmobile, and library administration.

 

As Sussex County employees, staff working within the County library system receive a comprehensive benefits package as part of their total compensation. This package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as participation in the County's pension plan. 

 

Unlike the eleven independent libraries, the three libraries operated by Sussex County, located in Greenwood, Milton, and South Coastal (Bethany), do not face the annual challenge of securing funding for essential operating expenses. Public funding from Sussex County covers costs such as utilities, building insurance, employee salaries, and other day-to-day operating expenses, as well as any capital expenses for building repairs and all other major maintenance projects.

https://sussexcountyde.gov/sites/default/files/PDFs/2027_Budget_Numbers_as_Proposed.pdf

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https://sussexcountyde.gov/fiscal-year-2027-budget-ordinance 

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Q: Do employees of Sussex County's independent libraries receive health insurance or pension benefits?

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A: No. The eleven independent libraries do not have the financial resources to provide employer-sponsored health insurance plans or pension benefits for their staff. However, some independent libraries do offer a modest annual healthcare stipend to full-time employees to help offset the cost of purchasing health insurance through the individual marketplace. The availability and amount of this stipend vary by library based on its financial resources.

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Q: How do salaries at Sussex County libraries compare with those at the eleven independent libraries?

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A: Available data indicates that there is a significant difference in base salaries between Sussex County library employees and employees of the eleven independent libraries. Based on a sample of available salary information, estimated base salaries (excluding benefits) for independent library staff are more than 37% lower than those of comparable County library positions.

 

This estimate is based on information that was publicly available as of July 25, 2026. Because the author did not have access to the FY2027 budgets for all eleven independent libraries, the estimate should be viewed as preliminary rather than definitive. It is anticipated that the County consultant will have access to this data during its deliberations.

The Sussex County library compensation study is expected to provide a more comprehensive analysis of salary levels and compensation differences across the County and independent library systems.

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Q: Why don't the cities and towns in Sussex County fund the independent libraries?

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A: Most Sussex County residents do not live within the boundaries of an incorporated city or town. Approximately 82% of the County's population resides in unincorporated Sussex County, where municipal governments do not exist. As a result, cities and towns represent only a small portion of the population served by the eleven independent libraries.

 

Several Sussex County municipalities do provide financial or in-kind support to their local independent libraries, and that assistance is both appreciated and important. However, municipal funding varies from community to community and is not sufficient to support library operations for the much larger population that lives outside municipal boundaries.

 

The independent libraries are community libraries that serve residents throughout their service areas, regardless of whether they live inside or outside municipal limits. Because the overwhelming majority of library users live outside incorporated municipalities, relying on cities and towns as the primary source of funding would not provide a fair or sustainable funding model.

 

Countywide funding recognizes that the libraries serve all Sussex County residents and helps ensure that everyone contributes to the services they use, regardless of where they live. It also provides a more equitable and stable funding structure for the eleven independent libraries that serve the entire county.

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Q: What would be the consequences if the eleven independent libraries became County Libraries?

A: If Sussex County converted the eleven independent libraries into county-run libraries, the county would assume substantially greater financial, administrative, and legal responsibility.
One reason Sussex County has not simply converted the eleven independent libraries into county-run libraries is the significant increase in cost that such a move would require. The current budgets of the independent libraries would need to be expanded to cover employee health benefits, pensions, and salary scales comparable to those provided to county employees.

 

In addition, the County would assume responsibility for capital repairs and long-term facility maintenance, costs that are currently borne by the independent library organizations. Those expenses would have to be incorporated into the County budget, making a full conversion to county control substantially more expensive than simply designating the libraries as county assets. 

 

Additional Information can be found here: Question of converting Independent libraries to County-run - HISTORY and COMPLEX
 

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Q: FY2025 Independent Library Performance Metrics at a Glance

• Library Visitors: 736,011

• Items Borrowed: 1,038,214

• Programs Offered: 8,572

• Program Participants: 160,356

• Computer & Wi-Fi Users: 98,079