In 2024, the Newark Free Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long. Keep an eye on the online calendar for an array of special events and programs throughout the year.

The Newark Free Library is a branch of the New Castle County Library System, and it offers an outstanding array of services to the community, including print and non-print materials; computers and wireless Internet access; meeting and study rooms; and vibrant programs for all ages. Additional support and advocacy for the library are provided by a volunteer non-profit organization, The Friends of the Newark Free Library.

The library’s calendar is filled with fun activities and interesting programs this spring and summer. Here’s a look at a few of them:

An Evening with Coda Brass Wednesday, May 8, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Coda Brass is excited to present an evening of diverse musical styles and genres, including a new work by composer Julienne Tsang. The Coda Brass Quintet is an ensemble of five women brass players dedicated to building collaboration among women.

An Evening with Pyxis Piano Trio Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the Pyxis Piano Trio for a recital of classical music for violin, cello, and piano representing different periods and styles.

Author talk, book signing and free book giveaway for young readers with Kate Albus Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Kate Albus is an award-winning author of Historical Fiction for Young Readers with works such as, A Place to Hang the Moon and Nothing Else But Miracles.

Horey-Swinchoski Duo: North (and South!) of the Border Saturday, June 1, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A performance by faculty members from The Music School of Delaware. Scotty Horey is an internationally renowned solo percussionist and teacher, whose performances have taken him throughout the U.S., Mexico, and countries around the world. Margaret Swinchoski is an award-winning flutist who currently holds the principal flute chair with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Orchestra, and is a founding member of the Palisades Virtuosi with over 100 commissions of new music to her credit.

English and Irish Inspirations: Romantic works for clarinet and piano Wednesday, June 12, 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

University of Delaware faculty Christopher Nichols, clarinet, and Christine Delbeau, piano, present a program of lush, romantic music from across the Atlantic. This program intersperses traditional folk music from the United Kingdom with western classical music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Charles Villiers Stanford, Howard Ferguson, and Roma Cafolla.

Author talk, book signing and free book giveaway for children by Erin Entrada Kelly

Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Erin Entrada Kelly is an award-winning author of children's literature. She has received the John Newbery Medal for her third novel, Hello, Universe, and the Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, her second novel. Her work is on the New York Times bestsellers list.

The Unsung Heroes of Jazz Wednesday, June 26, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Unsung Heroes of Jazz, a combo consisting of trumpeter Matt Gerry, pianist Jon Williams, drummer Jeff Dombchik, bassist Joe Test, Saxophonist Matt Casarino and vocalist Tina Sheing, will perform an evening of jazz standards that have stood the test of time.

The library’s events are free and some require registration, which is as simple as clicking a QR code for the online calendar, calling 302-731-7550, visiting delawarelibraries.libcal.com/calendar/Newark, or newcastlede.gov/333/Newark-Free-Library.

Regular programing includes a variety of musical programs to meet every taste as well as the Friday Night Film Series geared toward an adult audience on the first Friday of each month, and the monthly Family Movie Time for everyone. There are also a variety of clubs for children, teens and adults, as well as groups like the Tuesday Evening Book Group on the third Tuesday of each month, which has been meeting for over 20 years and always welcomes new members.

For those who do not want to worry about returns, there is a wide selection of items to purchase at the library’s used book sale. Shop every day with new lower prices starting at just .25 cents for children’s books and small paperbacks, .50 cents for large paperbacks and music CDs, and $1 for hardback books, magazine bundles, and DVDs. All proceeds benefit the library.

As the library is celebrating 50 years of serving the community, there are plans to construct a new building in the same location that will be designed to meet the needs of the region for decades to come. These plans include a new, two-story, 40,000-square-foot library building at the current site, and is expected to open in the fall of 2026.

The Newark Free Library is located at 750 Library Ave. The library is open Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed Thursdays.

For more information, call 302-731-7550 or check out the library’s Facebook page at Newark Free Library.