Downtown library move to Ward Museum building in works. Here's all to know.

After months of speculation about the future location of the Paul Sarbanes downtown library in Salisbury, the Wicomico County Council will hold a public meeting soon about a lease agreement at the former Ward Museum.

The meeting, set for Tuesday, May 21, at 10 a.m. in council chambers, will address a proposed lease from the State of Maryland University System on behalf of its constituent institution, Salisbury University, for the property at 909 S. Schumaker Drive.

According to the terms, the property shall be used by Wicomico County for the use of the Wicomico County Public Library. The initial term of the lease shall be 10 years with the option to renew for two additional periods of 10 years each. The base rent for the initial term and each renewal period shall be $1.00 annually.

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Salisbury University: 'Excited about the partnership'

"Since the closure of the Schumaker Pond building in July 2022, it has been SU’s goal to ensure the building and surrounding property could be reopened to the public, which is an important part of this proposal. We look forward to working with the county and the library, and are excited about this partnership," said Jason Rhodes, public relations director and university spokesperson.

A statement by the Wicomico County Public Library noted, while it is not yet a done deal, the council will consider a proposal to lease the former Ward Museum. According to library data, a 2022 feasibility study of the aging library facility downtown quoted the cost of needed upgrades and renovations at over $15.7 million. Per the same study, new construction on the downtown site would cost at least $26 million.

"The Schumaker Pond facility sits on 10 acres, offering room to expand and grow, and the library will have one of the most beautiful library facilities and grounds in the entire state," the statement said. "We believe the Schumaker Pond facility will make the library more accessible and inviting for many residents, especially families with young children and seniors. The library will be able to offer adequate and designated free parking for patrons."

The statement also indicated the Library Board of Trustees affirms "a commitment in the library’s Strategic Plan tomaintain a physical presence in or near downtown Salisbury."

If the main branch relocates away from downtown as in this proposal, the library will establish a new, smaller downtown location to ensure access by the surrounding communities and remain a part of the vision of downtown Salisbury as a hub for the community.

At its new location, the library will be located a walkable distance from several public schools.

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"While the library has been at the heart of this city's downtown, we recognize that location might not be the best fit," said City Council President D'Shawn Doughty. "I hope we all understand the importance of the library to our community even if the location does change. All residents will have full access to it and its functions. When the public hears rumors, it's prudent to be clear about plans like these when it's appropriate."

Past Ward Museum woes

In July 2022, a critical HVAC failure in the Schumaker Pond building’s gallery section caused mold to appear on portions of the museum’s collection.

Insurance claims related to that process and the failed HVAC system were denied, exacerbating the Ward Foundation’s ongoing financial issues. Due to the need for precise climate control to best preserve artifacts for long-term display and storage, museum-quality HVAC systems are much more complicated — and much more expensive — than those typically installed in homes and most office and retail buildings.

As remediation began, the Ward Foundation and SU investigated the best way to fix or replace the HVAC system at a level appropriate to preserve the collection for the long term. State procurement estimates averaged $10 million, with the galleries remaining closed for at least another year to allow installation.

In addition to the HVAC system, other building systems, including the facility’s roof, plumbing, drainage, “envelope” (foundation, roof and walls) and more also are facing expensive maintenance issues. Total cost to rehabilitate the structure through the state procurement process is estimated at nearly $19 million.

In an effort to limit these liabilities and return public access to the collection as quickly as possible, SU and the foundation agreed that finding a new location for the museum was the best solution.

The Museum of Eastern Shore Culture at Salisbury University, located on the first floor of the Powell Building at 218 W. Main St., adjacent to SU Downtown, is tenatively scheduled to open by summer 2024. It will feature exhibits and information related to local culture, including items formerly displayed at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.

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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ward Museum could be new home to Wicomico library branch. All to know.