Library fine mounts at Villages of Five Points

The Lewes Public Library continues to face a $6,000 fine from the Villages of Five Points Property Association, which objects to a book kiosk constructed by the library in March.

Plans are for both sides to meet in June, but as of yet no meeting has been held, said John Eikrem, board president of the property association.

In addition to $6,000 in fines, the library faces a $50 per day fine for each day the kiosk remains on the library's 2-acre parcel next to the CVS pharmacy at the entrance of the Villages of Five Points. The association fined the library over the kiosk because association officials said the wood-framed structure does not conform to association guidelines, and the library did not receive permission to install it.

In a letter to property owners sent March 27, Eikrem said the kiosk is “a small, cheaply made book box” that was denied for a variety of reasons. “With no communication, the library then decided to put up the kiosk anyway,” he wrote.

While the library fine continues to rise, an election for new board members to the association will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June, 15.

Carl Frampton, president of Town Center West, which represents town homes in the development, said he has emailed about 125 proxy ballots to property owners asking them to vote for two at-large candidates who will bring some sensibility back to the board.

Besides the fine against the library, he said, the board has discontinued outdoor activities such as Movies on the Green and Music at the Gazebo, and many board decisions are made behind closed doors.

“We used to have a fun community, but we're not fun anymore,” Frampton said.

Frampton said he expects a good turnout at this year's board election.

“Usually there's 200, but I expect the line to be out the door this year,” he said.

Eikrem did not comment on the upcoming election or whether he had heard about concerns from residents.