Delaware Forest Service Partners with Delaware Libraries to Promote Smokey Bear Reading Challenge

DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2024) – From January 1 through November 28, 2024, the United States Forest Service and state library systems across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. The challenge is designed to complement the 2024 National Summer Library Reading Program theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” which will run from June through August.

“Delaware Libraries are excited to partner with the Delaware Forest Service and Smokey Bear to bring adventure and nature education to Delaware library users in 2024. Smokey Bear’s Reading Challenge means that Delaware’s children of all ages can learn about wildfire prevention, connect with nature, and have adventures at their library!” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is partnering with all 33 Delaware libraries to encourage children to take up the challenge. Each library will receive a package of forestry-themed books to add to their lending library, Smokey Bear signage, and prizes for those completing the challenge, to better help children and families connect with this iconic forest legend.

The Delaware Forest Service is coordinating a statewide Smokey Bear Library Tour in 2024 to promote the Reading Challenge and deliver programming on wildfire prevention and nature education to Delaware communities. During the tour, Smokey will be visiting local Delaware libraries. Ashley Melvin, the lead trainer/educator for the Delaware Forest Service, will provide educational opportunities for children using their traveling nature center. In addition, Smokey Bear will appear at community events throughout 2024, including the Delaware State Fair and holiday parades.

“We encourage families to spend time outdoors, and Delaware’s State Forests present ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with nature. Wherever your adventure takes you, Smokey’s timeless message reminds us that we all share the responsibility of keeping Delaware’s outdoor spaces safe from wildfire. Wildfire prevention and nature education are local initiatives, and a partnership with Delaware Libraries will continue to benefit Delawareans long after the Reading Challenge ends,” remarked Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd.

With the help of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics, including:

  • Smokey Bear history
  • Campfire safety
  • Nature exploration
  • Careers in forestry and natural resources
  • Wildfire science

“Smokey Bear is a national icon, and the Delaware Forest Service is excited to help communities celebrate his 80th birthday. The timing is perfect as a statewide initiative exists to connect Delawareans to nature to increase environmental literacy,” said Ashley Melvin, DFS Trainer/Educator. “A big component of becoming environmentally literate is adopting environmentally responsible behaviors. Since 1944, Smokey Bear’s campaign has actively engaged the public to help prevent wildfires. I anticipate 2024 to be a very busy year for Smokey Bear!”

Families interested in participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge should visit their Delaware public library or sign-up online delawarelibraries.org/beanstack. Visit Delawarelibraries.org/list-of-libraries for a Delaware Libraries locations & hours. Visit the Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook page periodically for highlights and tips for earning badges. For information on requesting a Smokey Bear appearance, contact Ashley Melvin at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov. To learn more about the Communities in Nature Initiative, visit daeeonline.org.

Governor Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney Recognize September as Literacy Month in Delaware

Dr. Annie Norman of Delaware Libraries Unveils the Delaware Literacy Alliance’s Plan for 2024 – 2027

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney on Tuesday recognized September as Literacy Month with a proclamation signing at the Wilmington Library. Literacy Month is intended to recognize the extensive efforts of literacy partners to promote reading as an essential skill and a lifelong pleasure.

“Children learn to read by grade three and then read to learn for the rest of their lives. Literacy is the foundation that each of our students and neighbors need for success.” said Governor Carney. “Recent statewide assessment results show that our students continue to need extra supports, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage all Delawareans to take advantage of the many resources available in our state through Delaware’s libraries and literacy organizations this month and every month.”

“First Chance seeks to promote quality, early language experiences toward healthy brain development and school readiness,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “We know that there are incredible windows of opportunity, with long-term implications, during early childhood. Kids aren’t just learning the fundamentals of reading, they’re learning how to read the world.”

To learn more about First Chance Delaware, visit Governor Carney’s website.

“Our children spend their earliest school years learning to read for good reason: Strong literacy is the key to success in so many areas,” said Secretary of Education Mark Holodick. “They need strong literacy skills to absorb information in math and science, social studies, the arts, and every other subject.”

“All of the literacy partners have now joined together in the Delaware Literacy Alliance, and are releasing the first strategic plan. With Delaware Libraries as the backbone, we are addressing literacy across the lifespan,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian. “Literacy is the foundation for success in school, in work, and throughout life.”

To view the Delaware Literacy Alliance’s strategic plan, visit the Delaware Libraries website. Follow the Delaware Libraries form to join the Delaware Literacy Alliance.

There are many resources related to literacy available in the State of Delaware:

  • Children and adults can sign up for a free library card online or at their local library.
  • Delaware children under five are eligible for free books delivered monthly from  Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
  • Many school districts partner with Reading Assist to provide high-dosage tutoring for students grades K-3. Connect with your school district to check availability.
  • Kindergarten Registration Month is just around the corner in November. Discover early literacy resources and get registered for Kindergarten with the Delaware Readiness Teams.
  • Adult learners can find support through Literacy Delaware programs. Individuals can also train to become tutors through their programming.
  • Read Aloud Delaware creates opportunities for volunteer readers to connect with young children to share the joy of reading.
  • Learn more about the Delaware Department of Education’s Literacy Plan which establishes a framework to address the state’s literacy challenges.

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Delaware Division of the Arts Secures National Funding for Delaware Creative Aging Program

Wilmington, Del. (August 3, 2023) – The Delaware Division of the Arts recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for adults aged 55+ in Delaware.

Building upon the transformative success of the Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging program, which catalyzed arts learning opportunities for adults aged 55+ in Delaware and nationwide, the Delaware Division of the Arts sought funding from the States Leading Creative Aging program, a new joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. Delaware secured $95,000 for the Delaware Creative Aging program.

“Arts engagement helps adults aged 55+ to thrive and is a powerful antidote to isolation. But too many adults aged 55+ still lack access to these benefits,” said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. “Our state leadership grants—combined with free professional development programs for all 56 states and jurisdictions—will help to expand creative aging programs to make them more accessible nationwide. NASAA is thrilled to continue this important work in collaboration with state arts agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.”

“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. “We are delighted to see this leadership initiative strengthening existing creative aging programs and amplifying the creativity of adults aged 55+ across the country.”

“We are thrilled to secure this new funding for the Delaware Creative Aging program,” said Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball. “Arts engagement has proven to be a powerful tool in helping adults aged 55+ thrive and learn new skills in a supportive and social environment. With this support from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, we can expand our creative aging programs and make them more accessible to adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout Delaware.”

“The Delaware Division of the Arts has been doing exceptional work in promoting arts learning opportunities for Delaware’s older adults,” stated Delaware Governor John Carney. “This funding will strengthen the State’s efforts to support Delawareans aged 55+ that can benefit from the arts. I want to thank NASAA, E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, and the Delaware Division of the Arts for recognizing the importance of creative aging programs and investing in their expansion.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts is one of nine state arts agencies receiving awards from NASAA. With this funding, each state will build on existing creative aging programs to gain significant ground in meeting the needs of adults aged 55+ in underserved communities throughout their state. Activities will include expanding existing creative aging programs, supporting artist residencies within Delaware’s libraries, providing professional development for Delaware-based teaching artists, providing direct programming to older adult audiences, cultivating new creative aging partnerships and more.

For information about new creative aging activities taking place in Delaware, contact Andy Truscott at Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov. For more information about NASAA’s States Leading Creative Aging initiative, visit https://tinyurl.com/59d4en9d. 

 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

New Castle County Libraries Receives a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant

New Castle County to Read and Celebrate “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui From September 2023 to March 2024

 

June 28, 2023—New Castle—New Castle County Libraries is one of 62 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2023-2024 NEA Big Read grant. A grant of $20,000 will support a community reading program focusing on “The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir” by Thi Bui between September 2023 and March 2024. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience.

“New Castle County Libraries is excited to bring the NEA Big Read to our community. Thi Bui’s graphic memoir ‘The Best We Could Do’ was selected for its poignant portrayal of immigration, assimilation, culture, and the lasting effects that displacement can have on a family,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “The book’s evocative illustrations draw the reader in and bring Bui’s story to life. The Big Read program will allow our community members to engage with important topics while considering how historical events and issues of cultural and self-identity shape our present and future.”

“The NEA Big Read brings the transformative experience of reading to an entire community,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “This year’s grantees are taking themes off the page and using creative programming to navigate difficult topics, explore new perspectives, and strengthen bonds between neighbors.”

The NEA Big Read offers a range of titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives, aiming to inspire meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community. The main feature of the initiative is a grants program, managed by Arts Midwest, which annually supports dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read selection.

“Using the captivating power of literature, NEA Big Read events unleash the creative spirit that resides within all of us,” said Torrie Allen, President and CEO of Arts Midwest. “We’re thrilled to support the work of grantees across the nation, including New Castle County Libraries, as they inspire conversations and artistic expressions through shared reading experiences.”

“We are immensely grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for their generous grant to Delaware, which will allow New Castle County to engage our community in meaningful conversations and inspire artistic responses,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Through ‘The Best We Could Do,’ we hope to deepen our communities’ understanding of the immigrant experience and the resilience of families seeking a better future.”

The NEA Big Read grant is part of a nationwide initiative that invests in nonprofit organizations to develop innovative programming around a contemporary book. This year, the NEA is investing a total of $1,075,000 to support 62 organizations, with New Castle County Government being one of the selected grantees.

Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,800 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $25 million to organizations nationwide. In addition, NEA Big Read activities have reached every Congressional district in the country. Over the past 15+ years, grantees have leveraged more than $57 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 6 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, over 100,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and over 40,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts, and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread.

The mission of New Castle County Libraries is to enrich our community by providing library resources and services to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the citizens of New Castle County Libraries. Libraries serve as community centers where people come together to discuss, learn, grow, and share. Learn more at newcastlede.gov/libraries.

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Visit arts.gov to learn more. 

Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates Midwestern creativity. We build community and opportunity across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest works to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Learn more at artsmidwest.org.

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Contact: Catherine Wimberley, 302-395-5478 / catherine.wimberley@newcastlede.gov

Contact: Andy Truscott, 302-577-8280 / andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. 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. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, Gov. John Carney Promote Affordable Internet Access for All

DOVER, Del. – Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Governor John Carney, and community leaders are encouraging Delawareans to check their eligibility for free or low-cost internet options as Delaware kicks off summer learning and enrichment activities. The awareness coincides with the Biden Administration’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Week of Action this June. 

Starting this summer, libraries across Delaware will be hosting free enrollment events so residents can receive assistance, learn about the program, and assess their eligibility. To take the first step, Delawareans can go to getacp.org/delaware to assess their eligibility and prepare application materials. To be eligible for the program, households must have an income below 200% of the federal poverty line, utilize SNAP, Medicaid (Medical), WIC, Pell Grant or other qualifying federal programs or have a student eligible for free or reduced-price meals. 

ACP is a federal program that offers eligible households $30 per month toward home internet services. Most internet providers offer plans for $30 per month, which means that qualifying households can access free or low-cost internet service by enrolling in the ACP.  

“Internet access is no longer a luxury for families; it’s a necessity. Access to the internet not only connects us to information, it connects Delawareans to each other and to the opportunities they need to thrive from job and educational opportunities to community resources and updates. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) levels the playing field and makes the promise of internet access a reality for more Delawareans,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “I’m encouraging stakeholders, community leaders and officials to encourage Delawareans to find out their eligibility and see if they can receive free or low-cost internet access. It’s time we make the promise of internet access a reality for every Delawarean.” 

The Affordable Connectivity Program was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and spearheaded by President Joe Biden, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. State data estimates that more than 140,000 Delaware households are eligible for this federal program.  

In March, Delaware officials and municipal leaders launched a statewide initiative to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program in partnership with EducationSuperHighway, a national non-profit whose mission is to close the broadband affordability gap. As a result, cities and towns across Delaware have participated in ACP outreach initiatives from Wilmington to Laurel. 

“Internet has become a utility, just like electricity or water,” said Governor Carney. “The affordable Connectivity Program provides discounted internet access to qualifying Delaware families. I encourage Delaware families to see if they qualify today at getacp.org/de”  

According to the federal government, more than 18.5 million households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program across the country, saving a total of over $500 million per month on their high-speed internet bills. 

“In today’s world, internet access isn’t just a convenience – it’s a necessity. I’m proud that we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help make broadband available for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or location,” said Sen. Carper. “Here in the First State, libraries will help Delawareans check their eligibility and get assistance with application materials for free or low-cost internet options. This Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Week of Action, everyone has the opportunity to gain access to the critical online resources they need.” 

“The pandemic put on full display the absolute necessity for every home to have access to reliable internet,” said Sen. Coons. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Delawareans across the state will be able to afford fast and reliable online access.” 

“The Affordable Connectivity Program is an opportunity for Delawareans to get connected to affordable, high-speed internet at little to no cost – a necessity for work, education, health care services, and more,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I co-led the Emergency Broadband Connections Act to bolster access to broadband for low-income individuals, which became the basis for the Affordable Connectivity Program. I strongly encourage Delawareans across our state to visit affordableconnectivity.gov to see if they’re eligible for this transformative benefit.” 

“Delaware Libraries support Delawareans with internet access and digital literacy every day, which are core essentials for employment and to manage the tasks of daily life. Delaware Libraries are pleased to raise awareness and assist with registration for the Affordable Connectivity Program,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware State Librarian. 

Take advantage of local opportunities to learn more about ACP starting this summer. Digital Literacy Summer Associates (through AmeriCorps Vista) will available for 10 weeks in 12 libraries: 

  • Claymont Public Library 
  • Wilmington Public Library- North Branch 
  • Milford Public Library 
  • Harrington Public Library 
  • Milton Public Library 
  • Georgetown Public Library 
  • Greenwood Public Library 
  • Bridgeville Public Library 
  • Seaford Library & Cultural Center 
  • Laurel Public Library 
  • Delmar Public Library 
  • Selbyville Public Library 
Teleservice specialists who are ACP certified through the EducationSuperHighway LearnACP course will be available to help residents enroll in the program through the end of the year at 13 libraries: 
  • Wilmington Public Library 
  • Wilmington Public Library- North Branch 
  • Elsmere Public Library 
  • Woodlawn Public Library 
  • Bear Public Library 
  • Rt. 9 Library and Innovation Center 
  • Dover Public Library 
  • Newark Free Library 
  • Milford Public Library 
  • Lewes Public Library 
  • Milton Public Library 
  • Georgetown Public Library 
  • Laurel Public Library 

To learn about available times and enrollment opportunities, check your local library’s programming either in person or visit the Delaware Libraries online calendar: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/calendar/?t=d&q=ACP&cid=-1&cal=-1&inc=0 Dates and times vary.  

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Related News: Governor Carney Launches Statewide Initiative to Increase Affordable Connectivity Program Adoption