DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced two local events in coordination with the 2026 Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

These two free events are presented by the Delaware Center for the Book as part of the National Book Festival’s “Festival Near You” initiative.

The first event will take place tomorrow, Friday, August 14 at 6:30pm at the Kent County Public Library, and will feature Delaware illustrator Elizabeth Traynor.

The second event will be hosted at the Lewes Public Library on Sunday, September 13 at 5:00pm with Delaware author Josh Hitchens.

“Delaware Libraries are thrilled to bring the enthusiasm of the National Book Festival to the First State this year,” said Anne Hiller Clark, Acting Director of Delaware Libraries. “Libraries are proud to share curiosity, joy, and the love of reading year-round, but especially excited to share the incredible authors and illustrators from our state.”

Since 2002, each Affiliate Center for the Book has chosen a book for Young Readers that in some way represents the state’s or territory’s literary heritage. Beginning in 2022, each Affiliate Center for the Book was also asked to choose a book for Adult Readers, in addition to a book for Young Readers.

Each year, the Affiliate Centers come to Washington for the National Book Festival and participate in the Roadmap to Reading, a giant space at the Washington Convention Center where each state and territory’s booth features these “Great Reads” books and provides information about their states or territories. Last year, thousands of book lovers visited the tables of the Affiliates and learned about the “Great Reads from Great Places” list.

The 2026 Delaware Young Readers’ Selection is “F is for First State”, featuring Traynor’s illustrations and written by author Carol Crane. As the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, Delaware rightfully earned its nickname of the “First State.” Though small in size, it is a treasure trove of history, brought vividly to life through Traynor’s engaging and award-winning artwork.

The 2026 Delaware Adult Readers’ Selection is Haunted History of Delaware, written by author Josh Hitchens. The book explores the First State’s most famous ghost stories, haunted locations, and supernatural legends, blending folklore with historical research. It takes readers on a journey through Delaware’s eerie past, from haunted mansions and battlefields to mysterious local legends and unexplained phenomena.

The Delaware Libraries are celebrating their 125th anniversary and Delaware’s authors, illustrators, and literacy programs, at the National Book Festival in the nation’s capital. Free tickets are available through the Library of Congress. To attend, you must register in advance.

The Delaware Center for the Book also supports the Summer Library Reading Program promotes reading during the summer months to Delaware’s children and all ages.

For a full listing of programs and special events at Delaware Libraries visit DelawareLibraries.org/calendar

Additional information on the illustrator, author and the Delaware Center for the Book:

Elizabeth Traynor is an award-winning illustrator and graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who has been creating illustrations professionally since 1981. She loves illustrating birds, animals, and children and has also enjoyed teaching at Delaware College of Art & Design. Originally from Guntersville, Alabama, Elizabeth returned to her hometown in 2014, where she enjoys the mountains, lakes, wildlife, and warmer weather. She shares her home with her cat, Skeeter, and two small dogs, Sammie and Bink.

Josh Hitchens is a Sussex County, Delaware, native, storyteller for the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia since 2007, and a theater director, actor, playwright, and teaching artist known as “Philadelphia’s foremost purveyor of the macabre.” He is the author of Haunted History of Delaware, Haunted History of Philadelphia, and Eerie Delaware: Chilling Tales from the First State, and has created two podcasts exploring hauntings, unsolved mysteries, weird history, and horror films. Josh has also written for Philadelphia Weekly and Broad Street Review, including a feature on acclaimed director David Lynch, and hosts the monthly live horror film show Monday Macabre. He lives in West Philadelphia with his partner and their cat, Mina.

The Delaware Center for the Book, established in 2003, is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Today, there are 56 Affiliate Centers for the Book—the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands. These affiliates carry out the national mission in their local areas, sponsor programs that highlight their area’s literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month!

Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.

Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!

Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)

Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Hershman

Across the State Trained AmeriCorps VISTA members will be on-site at 21 Delaware Libraries providing walk-in assistance for digital literacy

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced the launch of a 10-week summer program aiming to support Delawareans on digital literacy.

The AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Specialists assist the public with computer and technology questions, including completing online applications, navigating websites, and building basic digital skills. As patrons become more comfortable, specialists can introduce them to the many free computer training programs and learning resources available through Delaware Libraries including in-person classes. This project is an initiative of the Division’s Social Innovation Team.

“Libraries are proud to expand their digital literacy specialist supports this summer with a presence in 21 Delaware Libraries,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware. “The digital landscape is ever evolving, and the Delaware Libraries stands at the ready to help Delawareans navigate AI, software skills, social media concepts, and more.”

There is no appointment needed for a meeting or to ask a question to a Specialist.
The Specialists are trained to support many concepts, including:

• Essential Software Skills
• Personalized Assistance
• Workplace Technology
• AI – Understanding & Help
• Basic Computer Skills & Classes
• Social Media Help
• Navigate Internet, Avoid Scams
• Using Tech in Daily Life, Device Help
• Learning Express, Northstar Certification
• And Much More!

Visit DelawareLibraries.org/Digital to view a full schedule of Specialists. For more services visit DelawareLibraries.org/GetConnected!

Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.

Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!

Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)

Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.

State Librarian of Delaware and Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries Served 40 years at the Division, 24 in Role as Director

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of State today announced the retirement of public servant Dr. Annie Norman, effective August 1, 2026. Dr. Norman has held the position of State Librarian of Delaware and Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries since 2002.

“A society that cannot read is a society that cannot succeed,” said Governor Meyer. “Thanks to the decades of service from Dr. Annie Norman, people all across our state have been given the greatest gift imaginable, the ability to learn without anyone else’s help.  Annie, the people of our state owe you an immense debt of gratitude for the work you have done, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating a space where every Delawarean can learn and grow.”

“Dr. Norman is the definition of public servant and has changed the trajectory of Libraries in our state,” said Delaware Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “She’s a systems-thinker, focused on encouraging innovative programming and partnerships to foster an environment that supports literacy across the lifespan. We are so proud — and so lucky for — the work and passion that Annie has done for our state. We are excited for her as she enters her next chapter and wish her a joyful retirement.”

“It has been my great honor and pleasure to serve with Delaware Libraries on behalf of Delawareans! We appreciate the support of the Department of State to continuously elevate libraries, and in turn, to champion Delawareans in learning and renewal throughout their lives,” said Dr. Annie Norman.

Over the years, with the support of each Administration and the General Assembly, as State Librarian, Dr. Norman steered Delaware’s libraries in collaboration, expansion, and improvement of services on behalf of Delawareans. As Delaware Libraries celebrate their 125th Anniversary, the Delaware Library Catalog/Consortium, also celebrates its 20th year!

• Under Dr. Norman’s leadership, the Delaware Library Catalog/Consortium was launched and has expanded to all Delaware public libraries, academic libraries, many school libraries, and special libraries sharing over 4 million items on behalf of Delawareans statewide.
• The Delaware Division of Libraries supports the statewide library technology infrastructure including all public library technologies, the Delaware Library Network, Wi-Fi, public access computing, catalog, electronic collections, program calendar, and more, under Dr. Norman’s leadership — a program that was integral as our state was managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Under her tenure as Director, more than 2 dozen library buildings have almost doubled in size overall and are designed to deliver state-of-the-art services through the robust shared technology infrastructure supported by the Delaware Division of Libraries. This included American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding in 2022 that directly funded the match for projects at nine Delaware Libraries — including new buildings for the Selbyville Public Library, the Harrington Public Library, and the Duck Creek Regional Library, among other critical construction projects.
• Dr. Norman is the founder and Co-Chair of the Delaware Literacy Alliance alongside Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. The organization aims to address the significant literacy gap in our state and reinforce the role Libraries and other state and community programs have in the solution.
• A successful statewide launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – a program that provides free books for all Delaware children ages birth to five — and providing registration through partnerships with hospital systems to ease the registration lift for parents and guardians.
• Delaware Libraries Social Innovation Team, first formed as Job Centers with federal funds and a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also expanded the capacity to support Entrepreneurs and innovators through maker technologies and events where people can enthusiastically learn about and experiment with technology and DIY activities and now added Delaware Libraries Teleservices.
• The Social Innovation Team collaborates with Delaware Partners which links over 300 organizations and growing, virtually and in libraries, to expand the reach and capacity to meet Delawareans’ needs across all subject areas, including job training, social services support, Teleservices, and much more!

Dr. Norman has been State Librarian of Delaware for nearly 25 years.
Awards and Educational highlights include:

• Appointed by President Biden to the National Museum and Library Services Board.
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women in March 2016.
• Recipient of the Delaware Library Association Distinguished Librarian Citation.
• Delaware Division of Libraries received the Delaware Quality Award of Merit and the Delaware Library Association Institutional Award in recognition of performance excellence principles and practices
• Annie is a charter member of the popular Delaware Library Book Cart Drill Team, the Bronze World Champions for 2007.
• Annie received her Doctorate of Education in Innovation and Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University, and is the recipient of the Audrey K. Doberstein Award for Leadership for her dissertation entitled Librarians’ Leadership for Lifelong Learning.
• Her Master’s degree in Library Science is from Drexel University and she is a member of Beta Phi Mu, the international library and information studies honor society.

Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card featuring Baby Blue; a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for middle and high school students; and Delaware Library cards featuring the library’s core values: find, connect, learn, inspire, and transform.

Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)

DOVER, Del. — Delaware Libraries celebrate National Library Week! Every day this week, Delaware Libraries will celebrate the many unique and impactful programs libraries offer to their communities. The Delaware General Assembly will recognize Library Week in Legislative Hall today on Tuesday, April 21 with a joint resolution sponsored by Senator Russ Huxtable and Representative Alonna Berry.

“Libraries are at the heart of our communities, providing access to knowledge and spaces where people can connect and learn,” said Delaware Secretary of State Patibanda-Sanchez. “During National Library Week, we celebrate the important role libraries play in expanding opportunities for Delawareans across our state.”

National Library Week was established in 1958 by the American Library Association to encourage, support and promote library use while acknowledging the essential contributions of libraries and staff in strengthening communities. National Library Week runs April 19-25, 2026. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy.”

“National Library Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the importance that libraries play in our communities, serving as hubs of learning, growth, and knowledge that must be both protected and expanded across our state,” said State Senator Russ Huxtable. “I commend our library staff for their dedication to our neighborhoods and look forward to seeing how Delaware libraries grow with our support.”

“Libraries have always played an essential role in our communities – but what that role is, and what it looks like, has grown and changed immensely over time,” said State Representative Alonna Berry. “Libraries are vibrant community hubs – reflections of the people they serve and their unique needs. They are meeting spaces, classrooms, information centers, book depositories, creative studios, and anything else that their communities require of them. But most importantly, they are also the conduits of joy, curiosity, and intellectual freedom. As someone who comes from a long-line of educators and public servants, I could not be more thankful for our state’s wonderful libraries and all that they do for Delawareans.”

Library of Congress Partnership Brings Archived Card Catalog to Laurel Public Library

For this celebration, the Library of Congress has brought 56 card catalog cases out of retirement, transforming them into Library of Congress information kiosks that have been distributed to each state and territory through the Library’s Center for the Book affiliate network.

“Libraries have a vibrant history in our state and across our country,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware’s State Librarian. “This card catalog kiosk is a great way to show library patrons that libraries have been integral to our foundation and will continue to evolve and have a critical role in our community. As we celebrate 125 years in the First State, we are thrilled to also celebrate National Library Week with this fun partnership with the Library of Congress.”

Each card catalog kiosk features signage indicating the card catalog was once in active use at the Library of Congress and explaining its history and original purpose.

The Laurel Public Library (101 E 4th Street, Laurel, DE 19956) will be hosting the card catalog.

“Libraries are a cornerstone of our communities, offering knowledge, history, and opportunity to all who walk through their doors,” said State Senator Bryant Richardson. “I’m grateful to see Laurel Public Library recognized and encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources our libraries provide.”

“I am so proud to represent the Laurel Public Library and the many citizens who frequent the wonderful facility,” said State Representative Tim Dukes. “Being selected as the only library in Delaware to receive the Library of Congress Card Catalog Information Kiosk, is an incredible honor that highlights Laurel’s commitment to preserving history, promoting literacy, and connecting the community with national resources. Being chosen for this unique opportunity places the library among a select group recognized for excellence and innovation. Well done to the staff, supporters, and community members who make the Laurel Public Library such a special place!”

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Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card featuring Baby Blue; a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for middle and high school students; and Delaware Library cards featuring the library’s core values: find, connect, learn, inspire, and transform.

Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)

Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.

Delaware Libraries Strive for 100% of Delawareans to have an Active Library Card

DOVER, Del. — Governor Meyer signed a proclamation declaring March 12, 2026, “Delaware Libraries Day” on Thursday in his Legislative Hall office surrounded by members of his Cabinet, members of the General Assembly, advocates, students, and staff from libraries across the state.

“For 125 years, Delaware Libraries have been a place where neighbors help neighbors, and where curiosity turns into opportunity,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “As we work to close our literacy gap, libraries are at the center of that work, powering the Delaware Literacy Alliance and connecting people of every age to books, technology, workforce support, and vital services in every community. My family still looks forward to a trip to the library, and I hope more Delawareans sign up for a free library card to take advantage of the resources and knowledge available to them just a few miles from home.”

On the Delaware Library Association’s annual Legislative Action Day, the Delaware Division of Libraries joined nearly a hundred advocates and students from across the state to share their experiences with public and school libraries, and importance of sustaining them moving forward.

“I feel incredibly fortunate that two divisions in the Department of State — the Delaware Libraries and the Delaware Archives — are celebrating momentous occasions this year: 125 years of Delaware Libraries, and 250 years of our nation,” said Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “Getting your Delaware Library card may seem like a little thing, but this free resource empowers you to be an engaged citizen, to explore new passions, and to create lasting memories. Our Libraries do many things to serve the people of Delaware and to meet our residents where they are. Currently only 60 percent of Delawareans have their library card, and we are working every day to make sure every Delawarean holds a library card and takes advantage of all the incredible resources we provide.”

The Delaware Libraries will soon release a booklet highlighting the accomplishments of the past 25 years – including critical investments in technology and infrastructure, focus on community literacy, expansion of partnerships, and the 20th anniversary of the Delaware Library Catalog. Only 50% of Delaware residents have an active card and are taking advantage of hundreds of free services and over 2 million books and even more digital media including movies, audiobooks, games, comics, and more.

“Through the Delaware Literacy Alliance, we are building a culture of literacy that extends far beyond the classroom. One where every child has access to books and every family has a partner in learning,” said Secretary of Education Cindy Marten. “For 125 years, Delaware libraries have been that partner: trusted, welcoming ‘third spaces’ where curiosity is sparked, learning is deepened, and stories become pathways to possibility.”

“It’s been an honor to serve the Delaware Libraries as the State Librarian for the past 25 years. I’ve seen incredible work from all public library branches to serve their communities and want to use this milestone anniversary to celebrate them,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries. “Because of the advocacy of our community and the support from leaders like Governor Meyer and members of the General Assembly, we are poised to remain the foundation – the community hubs – for our state through an intentional focus on new infrastructure that meets community needs, an expanded catalog, critical investments in technology, outreach to impactful partners, and a focus on community literacy.”

Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card featuring Baby Blue; a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for middle and high school students; and adult cards featuring: find, connect, learn, inspire, and transform yourself at the library!
To sign up for a free Delaware Library Card: DelawareLibraries.org/librarycard
Español: (Instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware.)

Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.
Media Contact: Emily Hershman, Delaware Division of Libraries