SALISBURY, MD. – Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. (DBF) has pledged a $35,000 donation to the Friends Foundation of Wicomico Public Library in support of the future Paul S. Sarbanes Library on Schumaker Pond in Salisbury.

The pledge reflects DBF’s long-standing connection to the project and to the building itself. The firm originally designed the structure and is now leading its redesign and renovation as a public library. Construction has been underway since January, with DBF architects overseeing the transformation of the building into a new public library space for Wicomico County.

“We’re just incredibly grateful to DBF for this gift,” said Seth Hershberger, Executive Director of Wicomico Public Library. “They know this building better than anyone. They designed it originally, and now they’re helping us bring it into its next life as a library.”

The future Sarbanes Library on Schumaker Pond will provide a welcoming public space for reading, learning, technology access, programming, and community connection. The renovation will allow the Wicomico Public Library to expand services while preserving and reimagining a distinctive building for broad public use.

Pictured left to right: Scott Duncan, Secretary of the Friends Foundation of Wicomico Public Library; Marty Neat, Chair of the Friends Foundation; Brian Bergen-Aurand, Chair of the Wicomico Public Library Board of Trustees; Payton Bridge, Associate/Senior Architect with Davis, Bowen & Friedel; Mike Wheedleton, Principal/Senior Architect with Davis, Bowen & Friedel; Chip Dashiell, Vice Chair of the Friends Foundation; and Seth Hershberger, Executive Director of Wicomico Public Library.
“The thing I keep coming back to is that this is a gift for the whole community,” Hershberger said. “DBF has been part of the project from the beginning, not just as architects, but as real partners in helping us imagine what this building can become. We’re very thankful for that.”

The Friends Foundation of Wicomico Public Library supports projects and initiatives that strengthen library service throughout the county. DBF’s pledge will help advance the Sarbanes Library project as construction continues.