Route 9 Library & Innovation Center
Not your average library — a free maker lab, STEM and Lego rooms, and a sensory room, all under one roof in New Castle.
The Quick Version
- • A New Castle County library built as an 'innovation center' — alongside the books it has a Maker Lab, a STEM room, a dedicated Lego room, and a sensory room.
- • Free, like every Delaware library; a genuinely different rainy-day or after-school stop than a normal branch.
- • Heads up on hours: open Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Sunday, but closed Thursdays.
- • A standout among NCC libraries — worth a trip even if it's not your home branch.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
1–2 hours
Admission
Free
What to Expect
The Route 9 Library & Innovation Center is a New Castle County library built to be more than a library. Alongside the usual books and kids' section, it has a Maker Lab, a STEM room, a dedicated Lego room, and a sensory room — so a visit can be hands-on building and tinkering, not just browsing.
For families that makes it a standout, free, indoor option: little kids gravitate to the Lego and sensory rooms (the sensory room is a real plus for sensory-sensitive kids), while older kids and tweens get the Maker Lab and STEM equipment. Like every Delaware library it's free, and a free library card unlocks the maker tools plus the statewide museum-and-park pass program.
Set expectations: some Maker Lab and STEM equipment or programs may need a sign-up, so check the calendar, and note the unusual hours — it's open most days but closed Thursdays (and open until 9 PM Monday–Wednesday). It's in New Castle, just off Route 9.
Who It's Best For
Little kids gravitate to the Lego room and the sensory room (a real plus for sensory-sensitive kids). Older kids and tweens get the Maker Lab and STEM room. Story times and a kids' section round it out like any branch.
Highlights
Maker Lab & STEM room
Ages 8+Hands-on building, tech, and tinkering well beyond a normal library — the draw for older kids and tweens.
The Lego room
Little onesA dedicated space just for building — an easy win with little kids.
The sensory room
All agesA calm, sensory-friendly space — a genuine plus for sensory-sensitive kids, and unusual for a library.
Free with a library card
All agesThe maker tools and the statewide museum-and-park pass program all come free with a Delaware card.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Showing up on a Thursday — it's closed.
- • Assuming all equipment is walk-up — some Maker Lab/STEM gear needs sign-up; check the calendar.
- • Expecting food — it's a library; eat before or after.
Logistics
Admission
Free admission
Free, like all Delaware public libraries. Some Maker Lab / STEM equipment or programs may require a library card or sign-up.
Membership tip: A free Delaware library card unlocks the maker equipment plus the statewide museum-and-park pass program (see our NCC libraries guide).
Getting There
Parking
Free lot on site.
Easy, free parking.
Entrance
3022 New Castle Avenue (Route 9), New Castle.
Parent Logistics
Single-level and stroller-friendly throughout.
Restrooms in the library.
Typically in the restrooms — not confirmed.
Indoors and climate-controlled.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No food — it's a library. New Castle has options a few minutes away.
Snack strategy: Eat before or after; it's a library, so no food inside.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Check the program calendar — Maker Lab and STEM sessions may need to be reserved.
- ✓ Closed Thursdays; open late (to 9 PM) Monday–Wednesday.
- ✓ Grab a free Delaware library card — it unlocks the maker tools and the museum/park pass program.
- ✓ The sensory room makes this one of the more inclusive library stops in the county.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
After school or weekends. Check the program calendar for Maker Lab and STEM sessions (some need sign-up). Note it's closed Thursdays, and open late (to 9 PM) Monday–Wednesday.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but closed Thursdays. Maker Lab and STEM programming may run on a schedule or need sign-up — check the calendar.
Rainy Day?
A free, hands-on indoor option — one of the better rainy-day library picks in New Castle County.
While You're in the Area
Historic New Castle and Battery Park are minutes away.