FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Media Contact:
Jonah Anderson
jonah.anderson@delaware.gov

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor Matt Meyer today announced a new pilot program allowing students to use their school-issued student IDs as library cards, removing an additional step between students and the books, research materials and learning resources available through Delaware libraries.

The initiative, established by the Governor’s Office in partnership with the Delaware Division of Libraries, the Colonial School District and New Castle County Libraries, will begin with students at Eisenberg Elementary School during the 2026-27 school year. Governor Meyer announced the pilot during an event at Eisenberg Elementary School recognizing September as Literacy Month and Library Card Sign-Up Month.

“Improving literacy is not the responsibility of one school, one library or one state agency,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “It takes all of us working together to make sure every Delawarean has the tools and opportunities to become a confident reader. Fewer forms, fewer hurdles and fewer delays mean more time for kids to read, learn and discover what they are capable of when government has their back.”

“Literacy is more than being able to read the words on a page. We want every Delaware student to become actively literate: able to read and write and choosing to use those abilities to question, create, communicate and make meaning for many purposes and audiences,” said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “Literacy does not live in one subject. It reaches across language, numeracy, science, the arts and civic life. An actively literate society is an engaged society, with people prepared to participate, contribute and make informed choices. That is at the heart of the promise of public education and essential to the future of Delaware and our democracy.”

The pilot eliminates the need for students and their families to complete a separate library card process. Once student IDs are issued, participating students will be able to use the IDs they already carry to access library services.

The program is designed to address small administrative barriers that can prevent or delay students from accessing books and other learning resources. Instead of requiring an additional application, permission form or trip to complete the library card process, the pilot integrates library access into an identification system students already use.

The initiative will begin with Eisenberg Elementary School and Delaware Libraries, particularly the Route 9 and New Castle libraries serving the surrounding area. The Meyer administration intends for the pilot to serve as a starting point for additional school districts and libraries interested in adopting a similar model.

The announcement is part of the administration’s broader focus on improving literacy outcomes across Delaware and expanding access to reading and learning resources from childhood through adulthood.

Governor Meyer also signed a proclamation recognizing September as Literacy Month and Library Card Sign-Up Month in Delaware, highlighting the role that schools, libraries, state agencies, local governments, community organizations and families play in improving literacy across the state.

Governor Meyer was joined by Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, Colonial School District Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Menzer, Acting State Librarian Anne Hiller Clark, Eisenberg Elementary School Principal Matt Folke, representatives from New Castle County Libraries, literacy advocates, educators and community partners.

Photos from the event can be found here.

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