Elsmere Public Library
A neighborhood branch on Spruce Ave with story time with Ms Debbie, a free back lot, and a changing table on site.
30 Spruce Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805, USA, Elsmere, DE 19805
Hours
10 AM – 5 PM
Show the week Hide the week
| Fri | 10 AM – 5 PM |
|---|---|
| Sat | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
| Mon | 10 AM – 8 PM |
| Tue | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | 12 PM – 8 PM |
Last checked 2026-10-05
- Cost
- Free
- Best for
- All ages
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor
- Typical visit
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
A neighbourhood branch with a childrens section and story times; a dependable indoor stop when you need one.
The Quick Version
- • Free New Castle County branch on Spruce Ave, sharing a building with the City of Elsmere and the Elsmere Police Department.
- • Rhythm, Rhyme and Story Time with Ms Debbie is the weekly regular, plus Pajama Storytime, Saturday Story Time, and Saturday Crafternoon.
- • Closed Wednesdays and Sundays — the easiest way to waste a trip.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Admission
Free
What to Expect
Elsmere is a community branch, and its calendar is built around one reliable weekly anchor: Rhythm, Rhyme and Story Time with Ms Debbie. Pajama Storytime turns up occasionally, and weekends bring Saturday Story Time and Saturday Crafternoon and Story Time, with Creative Crafts and a homeschool history club (Time Trekkers Troupe) filling out the rest of the calendar. The library also runs 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten.
It shares a building with the City of Elsmere and the Elsmere Police Department, and there's a free lot in back for library users. It's stroller-friendly with a changing table on site.
The one thing to get right is the day: it's closed Wednesdays and Sundays, and Tuesday and Thursday don't open until noon.
Who It's Best For
Story time with Ms Debbie and Pajama Storytime are the little-kid regulars; Saturday Crafternoon and Creative Crafts add craft sessions. Time Trekkers Troupe is a homeschool history club. The library also runs the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Posted ages vary by program — check the branch calendar.
Highlights
Story Time with Ms Debbie
Babies to preschoolRhythm, Rhyme and Story Time is the weekly regular here, with a pajama version on some evenings.
Saturday Crafternoon
Ages not postedA weekend craft-plus-story combination — the easiest option if weekdays don't work.
Free lot and a changing table
Parents of babiesParking in back is free for library users, and there's a changing table on site.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Wednesdays and Sundays — the library is closed.
- • Tuesday or Thursday mornings — it doesn't open until noon.
Logistics
Admission
Free admission
Free, like all Delaware public libraries. Check the calendar — some programs may 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 lot in the back of the building for library users.
Head around back — the lot is behind the building and it's free for library users.
Entrance
30 Spruce Ave, Wilmington.
Parent Logistics
Stroller-friendly.
Restrooms in the library.
Yes — changing table on site.
Indoors.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No food on site — it's a library.
Snack strategy: Eat before or after — there's no food service in the library.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Closed Wednesday and Sunday; Tuesday and Thursday open at noon.
- ✓ Park in the free lot behind the building rather than hunting the street.
- ✓ Check the branch calendar — story times recur but some sessions may need sign-up.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Mon 10am-8pm, Tue 12pm-8pm, Wed closed, Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun closed. Monday is the only weekday that opens at 10am and stays open until 8pm.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round but closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Tuesday and Thursday don't open until noon. The county has posted new library operating hours, so confirm before a special trip.
Rainy Day?
A free, close-in indoor stop for Wilmington-area families, with a story time most weeks.
Upcoming Events
Families can enjoy a Halloween-themed evening at the Elsmere Library, where children will collect candy and other treats, participate in a craft activity, and play games. The event encourages guests to wear costumes, creating a festive atmosphere in the library's meeting area.
More infoRhythm, Rhyme and Story Time with Ms Debbie
Fridays · next Fri, Oct 30 at 10:30 AM (4 dates)
Kids will enjoy a lively story time featuring books, songs, movement, and even some sign language, all designed to build early literacy skills in a fun environment. Parents can expect a consistent routine with some new elements each week, plus an optional craft or activity afterwards.
More infoParticipants can create a different craft each month, offering an opportunity for creative expression and social interaction. The program is designed for teens and adults.
More infoFamilies can expect an engaging and interactive story time experience led by Ms. Debbie, featuring a lively mix of picture books, sing-alongs, and action rhymes that encourage kids to move and participate. It's a perfect opportunity for little ones to develop early literacy skills in a fun, welcoming environment.
More infoFamilies can look forward to a creative afternoon at the library, where kids will engage in a hands-on craft activity led by Ms. Debbie, followed by a story time. Parents should be prepared to stay and assist their children, especially those under 12, with the craft project.
More infoKnow when something good is on near Elsmere Public Library
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