Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library

GOVERNANCE AND BRIEF HISTORY

The Library was established in 1847 as a private institution with the public service mission of providing free library materials to the residents of the immediate school district. Although social changes in the intervening years have enhanced that early mission, its core values of free service, equal access and responsiveness to community needs have endured.

Mission Statement

The Library is a private, incorporated institution with the public service mission of providing residents of the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area with a full range of modern-day library services and materials, on a free and equal access basis, to meet their informational, educational and cultural enrichment needs as citizens of democratic society and global community.

Throughout its history as an incorporated non-profit, the Library has been governed by a five-member Board of Trustees who serve four-year terms and may be re-elected by majority vote. Officers are elected at an annual meeting, serve one-year terms and may succeed themselves in office. In all matters of policy, employment, budget, planning and legal affairs, the Board acts as the Library’s ultimate governing body and may delegate such authority, as it deems necessary, to the Library Director who serves as chief administrative officer.

Since the mid-1970’s, Corbit-Calloway has been a “Contractual Library” member of the New Castle County Library System, receiving a share of operating funds pursuant to an annually renewable contract.  Additional operating revenue comes from the Division of Libraries in the form of an annual, non-competitive grant requiring that the Library meet specified performance standards.

The NEW START adult literacy program is funded through annual competitive grants from the State Department of Education. These resources are supplemented by local user fees and fundraising, contributions from the Friends of CCML and a small endowment whose earnings are dedicated to support of the Del-Mar-Va Collection. Building and capital expenditures are locally funded.

History

The following link [pdf document] is a brief history of the Library written in 1979 by Susan C. Jamison who formerly served as Library Director. The Face of a Town: The Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library, 1847-1979 by Susan C. Jamison

Over the last quarter century, the Library has seen a steady increase in circulation and membership. It has become an active community center, presenting new and innovative programs for children and adults.  The Library’s ever-growing Delaware Collection of 9,000+ items attracts people from in and out-of-state for research on genealogy and regional history.

Since 1991, the Library has served as sponsor and headquarters for the NEW START Council of Laubach Literacy Action. Funded by State and Federal grants, this volunteer tutoring service provides help with reading, math, and GED preparation for adults in lower New Castle County.