The Legacy of the Friends of the University of Delaware Library
For nearly 70 years, the Friends of the University of Delaware Library played a vital role in advancing the mission of the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press. Through the generosity, advocacy, and dedication of its members, the Friends contributed more than $2.5 million in support of the Library, with a particular focus on strengthening Special Collections.
The Friends’ impact can be seen throughout the Library’s collections, programs, and student opportunities. Their support helped acquire rare books, manuscripts, artifacts, and archival materials that enrich teaching, learning, and research. In recent years, the Friends helped establish the Seth Trotter Book Collecting Contest and the Special Collections Research Award, sponsored faculty lectures highlighting groundbreaking scholarship, and supported digitization efforts that expand access to collections for researchers around the world.
The Friends also created opportunities for the University and broader community to engage with literature, history, and culture through annual dinners, author presentations, and special events that brought people together in support of knowledge and discovery.
As of June 30, 2026, the Friends of the University of Delaware Library formally dissolved after decades of dedicated service. While the organization has concluded its work, the legacy it created continues through the students, faculty, researchers, and community members who benefit from the resources and opportunities the Friends helped make possible.
Continuing the Legacy
The work the Friends made possible does not end here.
What has changed is simply the vessel, not the purpose.
We invite supporters to continue this tradition of generosity by making gifts directly to the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press. Every gift helps us deepen our collections, expand student opportunities, preserve and digitize unique materials, and ensure these resources remain accessible for generations to come.
Your continued partnership is not a departure from what the Friends stood for—it is its fullest expression.
Support the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Beginning July 1, 2026, gifts can no longer be designated to or made payable to the Friends of the University of Delaware Library.
Supporters who wish to continue investing in the future of the Library may make gifts directly to the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press and its funding priorities.
Visit our giving page to learn more about current funding opportunities and make a gift:
https://ud.alumniq.com/giving/to/Libraries
Contact the Friends of the UD Library
For more information about supporting the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press, please contact:
External Relations, Communications and Development Initiatives | Office of the Vice Provost