Using New Castle County libraries with kids
Libraries are the most underrated family resource in New Castle County: every branch is free, a library card is free for Delaware residents, and the calendars are packed with story times, summer reading, and kids' programs. But the value goes well beyond books and even beyond any one branch — your card also lends free passes to state parks and the Brandywine Zoo, and one branch is a full-blown maker space. Below are the branches we point families to, plus the system-wide perks worth knowing. Each branch links to its own page, where you'll find its address, hours, and live list of upcoming kids' events.
1. Route 9 Library & Innovation Center
New Castle
The standout — a Maker Lab, STEM and Lego rooms, and a sensory room make it as much a hands-on activity space as a library. Worth a trip even if it's not your home branch (it has its own full guide).
2. Brandywine Hundred Library
Wilmington
A big, busy North Wilmington branch with a steady stream of story times and kids' programs — a dependable free default up here.
3. Bear Library
Bear
One of the busiest branches in the county for family programming — story times and activities most weeks of the year.
4. Hockessin Library
Hockessin
A popular western-NCC branch with heavy kids' programming; the easy, free go-to in Hockessin.
5. Wilmington Public Library
Wilmington
The downtown main library — a free, central indoor stop with children's programming.
Good to know
- • Delaware library cardholders 18+ can reserve free museum, zoo, and state-park passes online — one at a time, no more than one per month and five per year. Each pass has its own admission rules and exclusions; read those before choosing a destination. source
Questions parents ask
Do Delaware libraries charge for story times or a library card?
No — library cards are free for Delaware residents, and story times and most family programs are free. Each branch runs its own schedule, which you'll find on the branch's page.
Can I get free museum or state-park passes from the library?
Yes. Through the Delaware Libraries Museum Pass program, cardholders 18+ can reserve free passes to Delaware State Parks and the Brandywine Zoo online — one pass per card at a time, no more than one per month and five per year. Read each pass's admission rules.
Which New Castle County library is best for kids?
Most branches run story times and programs, so your closest branch is usually the right call. The Route 9 Library & Innovation Center stands out, with a maker lab, Lego room, and sensory room.
Get the good ones before they fill up
One countywide shortlist every Friday morning, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick. Free.
More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed June 16, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.