Tiny Weekends
Appoquinimink Library
Photo: Jay (via Google)
Library

Appoquinimink Library

The Middletown branch runs story time most weeks and keeps a Maker Space with 3D printers, a video studio, an audio studio, and a teen area.

204 E Main St, Middletown, DE 19709

Hours

Hours not posted

Last checked 2026-09-13

Cost
Free
Best for
All ages
Indoor / outdoor
Indoor
Typical visit
1–2 hours
Stroller friendlyBathroomsChanging tableShadeNot fencedNo food on siteEasy parking

More than a book room: maker space, video and audio studios and a teen area, with the town farmers market on the library grounds.

15 upcoming events here →

The Quick Version

  • • Story time most weeks — Storytime with Ms. Karen is the regular, plus Saturday Storytime, BookBabies with Ms. Alysia, and PAWS for People: READ to a Dog.
  • • For older kids: Junior Robotics, Lego Challenge, Crafternoon, Homeschool Art Club, and a teen Dungeons & Dragons group — alongside a Maker Space, video and audio studios, and a dedicated teen area.
  • • Free, like every Delaware library. Closed Thursdays; open Sunday afternoons.

Best Ages

All ages

Plan For

1–2 hours

Admission

Free

What to Expect

Appoquinimink is Middletown's branch, and it has been part of the area for more than 50 years. For families the draw is the calendar: Storytime with Ms. Karen runs most weeks, with Storytime with Ms. Courtney, Saturday Storytime, BookBabies, and PAWS for People: READ to a Dog filling in around it. Older kids get Junior Robotics, Lego Challenge, Crafternoon, Homeschool Art Club, and a teen Dungeons & Dragons group. The building also holds a Maker Space, a video studio, an audio studio, and a dedicated teen area. It's free, like every Delaware library, though some programs need sign-up. Watch the hours: closed Thursdays and open only until 1pm Fridays.

Who It's Best For

Babies and toddlers have BookBabies and the weekly story times; elementary kids get Junior Robotics, Lego Challenge, and Crafternoon; teens have their own area plus D&D and a Manga Anime Club.

Highlights

Story time most weeks

Babies to preschool

Storytime with Ms. Karen is the anchor, joined by Ms. Courtney's, a Saturday session, and BookBabies for the youngest.

Maker Space, studios, and a teen area

Ages 8+

3D printers, a video studio, an audio studio, and a space that's actually for teens — plus Junior Robotics and Lego Challenge on the calendar.

Free, with easy parking

All ages

Free like every Delaware library, with a dedicated lot right on site.

Logistics

Admission

Free admission

Free, like all Delaware public libraries. Some programs need sign-up.

Membership tip: A free Delaware library card also lets you reserve free passes to Delaware State Parks and the Brandywine Zoo through the libraries' Museum Pass program (one pass per card at a time).

Getting There

Parking

Free dedicated parking lot on-site.

Easy — the lot is on site and free.

Entrance

204 E Main St, Middletown.

Parent Logistics

Strollers Friendly

Stroller-friendly.

Bathrooms

Restrooms in the library.

Changing Tables

Changing table available.

Shade

Indoors.

Food & Snacks

No food on-site. No food — it's a library.

Snack strategy: Eat before or after; plan on a drink in the car.

Pro Tips

  • ✓ Closed Thursdays every week, and Fridays end at 1pm — check before you drive over.
  • ✓ Some programs need sign-up; look at the events listing rather than showing up cold.
  • ✓ Mon–Wed it's open until 9pm, which makes it a real after-dinner option.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings line up with story time; the 9pm close Mon–Wed makes after-dinner visits work. Friday closes early at 1pm, Thursday is closed, and Sunday runs 1–5pm.

Seasonal Notes

As of September 8: Mon–Wed 10am–9pm, Thu closed, Fri 10am–1pm, Sat 10am–5pm and Sun 1pm–5pm.

Rainy Day?

A free indoor stop in Middletown with a program on most days.

Upcoming Events

Engineer Early Grab & Go STEM Kits

Oct 24 · Nov 21

Free Ages 5–11 indoor

Families can pick up a STEM kit to explore various tools used by scientists and engineers. The kit includes activities to help children understand how instruments like levels, protractors, and thermometers function through hands-on practice.

More info

Saturday Storytime

Saturdays · next Sat, Oct 24 at 10:15 AM (6 dates)

Free All ages indoor
RSVP

Families can look forward to a lively session filled with engaging stories and interactive songs, designed to captivate young imaginations. Kids will enjoy listening to tales and participating in musical activities, while parents can connect with other caregivers in a relaxed setting. Expect a welcoming atmosphere perfect for fostering early literacy.

More info

Pajama Storytime with Ms. Karen

Mondays · next Mon, Oct 26 at 6:00 PM (3 dates)

Free All ages indoor
RSVP

Families can cozy up in their pajamas for an evening of engaging stories and lively songs led by Ms. Karen. Kids will enjoy listening to tales and participating in sing-alongs, creating a relaxing bedtime-themed experience at the library.

More info

Storytime with Ms. Courtney

Tuesdays · next Tue, Oct 27 at 10:15 AM (8 dates)

Free All ages indoor

Families can look forward to an engaging session of songs and stories led by Ms. Courtney, designed to captivate young children. Kids will get to participate in interactive rhymes and listen to delightful tales, fostering early literacy and a love for reading. Parents should be aware of the ticket system to ensure their child's spot.

More info

Dungeons & Dragons - Teens

Tuesdays · next Tue, Oct 27 at 3:15 PM (4 dates)

Free Ages 13–17 indoor

Participants can engage in collaborative storytelling using 5e rules, guided by volunteer Dungeon Masters. Players have the option to bring their own character or select from pre-generated ones.

More info

Junior Robotics

Tuesdays · next Tue, Oct 27 at 6:00 PM (3 dates)

Free Ages 8–12 indoor
RSVP

Children can design, build, and play with robots while learning STEM fundamentals. Participants will complete various challenges during the program.

More info

BookBabies Storytime with Ms. Alysia

Wed, Oct 28 at 10:15 AM

Free Babies & Toddlers indoor

Bring your pre-walking little one for a gentle and engaging storytime designed just for them. You and your baby will enjoy fingerplays, sing songs, and listen to stories carefully selected to support their early developmental milestones in a calm, welcoming environment.

More info

PAWS for People: READ to a Dog

Oct 28 · Nov 25

Free All ages indoor
RSVP

Read aloud to a furry, friendly therapy companion to help inspire a love of reading. Offered by PAWS for People. Readers of all ages and stages are welcome. Check in in Community Room 1 starting at 5:15pm to join the list of participants!

More info

Storytime with Ms. Karen

Fridays · next Fri, Oct 30 at 10:15 AM (8 dates)

Free All ages indoor

Families can enjoy a session of songs and stories with Ms. Karen. This program is designed for children of all ages to attend with their caregivers.

More info

Homeschool Art Club

Wed, Nov 4 at 11:00 AM

Free Ages 8–12 indoor
RSVP

Each month, participants learn about a specific theme and then create art projects. The projects are inspired by famous artists and art movements.

More info

Crafternoon

Mon, Nov 16 at 4:30 PM

Free Ages 5–10 indoor

Families can drop in to explore a new craft theme each session, with all supplies and instructions provided. Kids will get to create a few different projects, fostering creativity without the mess at home.

More info

Lego Challenge

Tue, Nov 17 at 4:00 PM

Free Ages 6–12 indoor
RSVP

Children can participate in a building challenge designed to test their Lego skills. The program aims to help kids build confidence and practice communication in a relaxed environment.

More info

BookBabies Storytime with Ms. Karen

Wed, Nov 18 at 2:00 PM

Free Storytime indoor

Families with pre-walking babies will enjoy a quiet, developmentally supportive storytime featuring fingerplays, songs, and carefully selected books. Tickets are distributed at the Children's Reference Desk 15 minutes before the session begins, and space is limited due to room capacity.

More info

Operation Warm Coat: Children's Coat Giveaway

Sun, Nov 22 at 1:00 PM

Free Kids indoor

Families can visit the Appoquinimink Library to receive a free new winter coat for their child, with sizes available from 4T to kids size 14/16. Children must be present to claim a coat, and each family can take one coat. Coats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

More info

Open Maker Lab

Tue, Nov 24 at 5:30 PM

Free Ages 13–17 indoor

Families may attend the Open Maker Lab to work on personal projects, explore design software, or connect with other makers in a creative space. Certified members can reserve time slots to use laser cutters, 3D printers, Cricut machines, or sewing equipment, with specific requirements for machine access and material preparation.

More info

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