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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STATEWIDE, Del. (September 8, 2026) – “The class was a perfect way to have fun with people my own age and make new friends,” wrote one Delaware woman after completing a free eight-week art workshop at her local library. She is one of more than 400 Delawareans, 55 and older, who have taken part in Access Creative Aging since 2022 – and thanks to new national funding secured by the Delaware Division of the Arts, hundreds more are set to follow.

The Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) has secured $77,500 through Creative Aging, Creative Futures, a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. The program builds upon the success of two previous initiatives: Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging and States Leading Creative Aging. These vital investments have strengthened creative aging issue leadership for state arts agencies, expanded arts opportunities for older adults, and enhanced expertise in creative aging program delivery.

DDOA launched Access Creative Aging in 2022 as a pilot program in eight public libraries. Four years later, the initiative has become the centerpiece of DDOA’s Arts and Community programming, delivering more than 520 hours of free instruction to more than 400 older adults in its most recent program cycle. Workshops are offered in disciplines ranging from pottery, poetry, and painting to dance, theater, and jewelry design, taught by trained teaching artists at public libraries and senior centers across all three of Delaware’s counties. The program is administered in partnership with the Delaware Division of Libraries and, most recently, the Division of Services for the Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.

A year-one impact study established measurable baseline gains: 92% of participants reported an increase in self-confidence in learning new skills (56% significantly so) and 96% reported improvement in their sense of accomplishment and mastery. Not a single participant reported a decline in either measure. Qualitative surveys from the most recent program cycle confirm those gains have held, with participants consistently reporting new friendships formed, lasting motivation to continue their creative practice, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the eight-week sessions.

“Having little to no disposable income, the free classes are a true godsend.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“This is my third time taking this class and I get something new every time.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“I feel more confident about making creative decisions and experimenting than I did before. I would absolutely recommend this class, without hesitation! I have invested funds to purchase additional materials and supplies and have started working on my own projects. I wish there was a second workshop building on skills and techniques from this one.”
— Access Creative Aging participant

“The arts are a proven tool for keeping older Delawareans healthy, connected, and engaged,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This funding will ensure Delaware continues to lead, allowing us to reach hundreds more seniors who deserve access to these programs.”

“The Delaware Division of the Arts has built something remarkable with Access Creative Aging, and the Division of Libraries has been there every step of the way,” said Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez. “That partnership is what turned a pilot program in eight libraries into a statewide model for how the arts support healthy aging. This award reflects the power of state agencies working together, and our commitment to making sure that work reaches every Delawarean, regardless of income or geography.”

“Delaware’s older adult population is growing rapidly, and demand for Access Creative Aging programming has consistently outpaced our capacity,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “This award will allow us to bring high-quality, free arts programming to more Delawareans in more communities, including those with the least access to the arts, and to build the case for sustained state investment in this work.”

Delaware’s population of adults aged 55 and older is projected to grow by more than 50 percent by 2030. The Creative Aging, Creative Futures award will allow DDOA to expand the program over two grant cycles running through June 2028, with a goal of reaching 480 participants at 20 libraries and 12 senior centers and delivering more than 640 hours of instruction.

“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy’s investments in state arts agencies have transformed our national public infrastructure to improve the lives of older adults across America,” said Pam Breaux, President and CEO of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). “State arts agencies are now instrumental partners in addressing the most important challenges facing aging populations, including rising health care costs. The demand and need for this work will only increase.”

“E.A. Michelson Philanthropy is proud to partner with NASAA through our continued support of creative aging within our state and jurisdictional arts agencies,” said Ellen Michelson, Founder and President of E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. “We are delighted to see this initiative expand arts programming for older adults, supporting more classes, residencies and sustained creative opportunities that help older adults learn, grow and connect.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts is one of 28 state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. Funding will support expanded workshop offerings, training for new teaching artists, and access to programs at libraries and senior services organizations in communities across all three of Delaware’s counties.

For information about Access Creative Aging activities in Delaware, contact Andrew Truscott, Program Officer for Marketing and Communications, at andrew.truscott@delaware.gov or visit https://arts.delaware.gov/programs-events/delaware-creative-aging/.

For more information about NASAA’s Creative Aging, Creative Futures initiative, visit nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/creative-aging/#cacf.

Explore Watercolors! Participant Testimonials (Video: Advocate Media)

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About the Delaware Division of the Arts

The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today released a statement on the passing of Dolly Parton:

Delaware Libraries are devastated to hear of Dolly Parton’s passing.

Dolly was a country legend, movie star, style icon, ambassador of humanity, but we’ll also remember her as a literacy legend.

Inspired by her father’s personal literacy struggles, Dolly led an initiative to inspire a love of reading in every child.

Today, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gifting program. In partnership with local affiliate partners, the program mails high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five – at no cost to families.

Her generosity has benefitted over 50,000 Delaware children and families, encouraging the reading and library habit. That number grows every day.

The Delaware Libraries were honored to be a part of the Imagination Library state pilot program. It was an unbelievable honor to host Dolly at the historic Wilmington Public Library to celebrate the milestone of taking the program statewide.

If you want to know her impact — just ask the new parents who leave a Delaware hospital registered for the program, and with their first Imagination Library book, which is also Dolly’s favorite: The Little Engine That Could. Listen to the children who thank “Ms. Dolly” after they read one of their Imagination Library books and saw her photo on the back cover. Watch how quickly children run to their mailboxes to grab their new stories, smiling at their names written in the address line. Hear about story times at home, libraries, and schools where families foster connection and memories. And check-in with the early education professionals who see stronger conversations, socialization, and a love of reading in their students who are enrolled in the program.

Thank you, Dolly, for what you’ve done for Delaware and for all our children.

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Register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Delaware

For more information about the Imagination Library, visit the Dollywood Foundation website.

View the 2022 statewide celebration on YouTube.

Delaware announced an option for bilingual books in 2024.

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.