Delaware Libraries Launch 2017 Statewide Summer Reading Challenge

slrp2017pressreleasegraphic-1Delaware’s First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will kick off the statewide 2017 Summer Library Reading Challenge, Build a Better World, this weekend at public libraries in all three counties.   She will be joined by special guests The Cat’s Pajamas, a musical comedy trio.

The kick-off events are:

  • 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Dover Public Library;
  • 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at the Milton Public Library; and
  • 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10 at the Newark Free Library.

“Making reading achievement a priority helps to build a foundation for future success,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “Research has shown that children who read over the summer perform better when they return to school in the fall and are able to retain and even improve upon reading skills learned during the past year.”

Delaware libraries are noted for hosting the longest running statewide public library summer reading program in the nation.  Now in its 38th year, the annual Summer Library Challenge provides early literacy programs to help children build and develop reading and language skills; teen programs that motivate teens to read and discuss literature; and programs that encourage adults to experience the joy of reading.

“Librarians help to generate a passion for reading and learning,” said Governor John Carney. “A healthy reading habit motivates, inspires, encourages creativity and prevents the summer slide.”

“For more than 38 years — for generations of Delawareans — Delaware libraries have been cultivating reading and learning passions,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “Whatever your interest, whatever your talent, the library supports it.”

Young “pre-readers” (children who can’t read yet) can get credit for books that are read to them.  Throughout the summer, libraries provide a variety of fun and educational arts, cultural, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs to encourage reading and spark curiosity.

Registration for the Summer Challenge is free in-person at all public libraries or online at delawarelibraries.org/summerreading.  Incentive prizes are awarded based on reading and activity milestones.  Delaware libraries encourage Delawareans of all ages to track their reading and learning during the summer and throughout life.  A variety of tips, tools, and techniques for tracking individual interests are available at guides.lib.de.us/unleashinnergenius.

The following programs for children will be presented at all public libraries throughout the state; visit http://guides.lib.de.us/summerchallenge2017 for the schedule of events and additional information:

  • Hooked on Books with master comic Mark Lohr, in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts.
  • The Build It Better Shop with musical storyteller Rick Waterhouse, in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts.
  • Think it! Build it! Test it! learn about the engineering process with the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation.
  • The Delaware Nature Society will present a variety of nature-related programs.

Summer arts programs are supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com

About:

The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks; programs/workshops; community partnerships; and more.


Delaware Libraries, UD Disaster Research Center Present Disaster Planning Summit

DOVER – The Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, and the Delaware Division of Libraries are sponsoring an all-day summit “Disaster Recovery for Delaware” on Tuesday, February 28.

The purpose of this statewide summit is to connect library staff with emergency planners to help communities bounce back more quickly following a natural or man-made disaster. The summit will focus on developing partnerships and strategies before an emergency happens. Emergency responders will speak on ways libraries can assist them in mitigation and preparedness, response and recovery. The program will incorporate National Library of Medicine resources, focusing on health and disaster information, to support responders, the community, and library staff. Libraries will learn what it takes to become “second responders,” including options for further partnerships to assist their communities in the event of a disaster.

  • What: Disaster Recovery for Delaware: Exploring Potential Partnerships Among Emergency Planners, First Responders, Librarians and Others
  • Who: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long; Representatives from the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center, National Network of Libraries, and Delaware Division of Libraries; emergency planners, first responders, librarians, and organizations involved with disaster planning, response, and/or recovery
  • When: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 28
    (Contact Cathay Keough at cathay.keough@delaware.gov for detailed program schedule)
  • Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover DE 19901


Give the Gift of Free eBooks This Holiday Season!

Give the Gift of Free eBooks This Holiday Season!
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Gifting a new smartphone, tablet, or eReader this year? Delaware Libraries have the collections needed to make the most of the latest digital devices!

Our eMedia collection contains over 30,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and more, available for free with a Delaware Library Card.

Holiday “gift cards” are available to print and slip into greeting cards to let recipients know about the libraries’ eMedia collections! To download one to print, just visit: delawarelibraries.org/eHoliday

Browse the collections at delawarelibraries.org/eMedia. Borrowed titles are automatically returned at the end of the lending period (with never any late fees).

“Delaware Libraries offer an unbeatable value with free checkout of eMedia through the statewide Delaware Library Catalog” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman, “And we wish everyone Happy Holidays!”

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog; Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/workshops, community partnerships, and more.

Contact:
Beth-Ann Ryan
Deputy Director, Delaware Division of Libraries
delawarelibraries.orglibraries.delaware.gov
(302) 257-3002


New Site Makes Formation Easier for Small Businesses

Partnership with Delaware Libraries Makes Corporate
Filings Faster and More Accessible

Wilmington, DE – Joined by Delaware entrepreneurs and small business owners, Gov. Jack Markell today launched a new web portal to deliver online business formation and related services in support of in-state businesses.

Global Delaware, the Division of Corporations, the Division of Libraries, and public libraries across the state have teamed up with two Delaware-licensed registered agents, CT Corporation and IncNow, to make business registration available directly from the state for the first time.

imgresUntil now, Delawareans looking to form an entity directly with the state had to file through the mail or in-person at the Division of Corporations offices in Wilmington or Dover. With this new service, residents can complete the task online or at a Delaware public library with help from a librarian. This new option is quick, safe and cost-effective.

“The collaborative effort puts a terrific resource in the hands of our residents, and is exactly the direction we want to be headed in: Supporting local companies looking to create business structures that will enable expanded growth and success,” said Governor Markell.

Registration services on the Division of Libraries’ online platform have been customized for Delaware businesses, with the backing of the Division of Corporations as well as Delaware’s extensive public library network. The registration service will reside on the Delaware Libraries Entrepreneurship Community page, with other online tools and resources designed to support budding businesses.

“More than 1.2 million legal entities are incorporated in Delaware from around the world. I’m pleased that CT Corporation and IncNow took up the challenge of creating a product specifically targeted to the needs of small Delaware-based businesses,” explained Rick Geisenberger, director of the Division of Corporations. “By partnering with trusted agents and public libraries, we can further ensure that local entrepreneurs have convenient access to services they need when it comes time to start a business.”

“This partnership with Global Delaware is a great opportunity for us to add expert tools that support microbusinesses here in the State,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “Delaware Libraries serve as a hub for connecting Delawareans with the information and resources they need to help them move forward with their plans to launch a new business.”

Librarians across the state received training on the new business registration platform in order to assist Delawareans who want to use the service. In addition, the new online service includes dedicated helplines staffed by professionals from IncNow and CT Corporation who will help walk users through the process and answer questions.

“State agencies continue to work together to help Delaware businesses become more informed, supported and competitive,” said Andrea Tinianow, director of Global Delaware. “We hope the local business community will take full advantage of this newest resource, and to let us know how else we can help.”


Launch of Plazas Comunitarias at the Bear Library

What: Launch of Plazas Comunitarias at the Bear Library
Plazas Comunitarias is a program for Spanish speaking adults in Delaware to complete Elementary education courses in Spanish online. The program first originated through a memorandum of understanding on education established between the Mexican and U.S. governments in 1990, aimed at raising the living standards of Spanish speakers living in the United States. Plazas Comunitarias provides an on-ramp for graduates to then further their education in English. Spanish-speaking adults of any nationality are eligible to attend.

The Delaware Division of Libraries partnered with the Mexican Consulate to pilot this program at the Bear Library in New Castle County. If successful, the intent is to expand the program to libraries in Kent and Sussex counties. The first class is at capacity with 15 students.

When:
Sunday, October 2, 2016, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Where:
Bear Library, 101 Governors Pl. Bear, DE

Who:

  • Diana Brown, New Castle County Department of Community Services
  • Consul Alicia Kerber-Palma, Consulate of Mexico
  • Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian
  • Guadalupe Castañeda, Program Coordinator, Plazas Comunitarias Delaware

Student speakers:

  • Araceli Luna Perez
  • Victor Manuel Perez Romo
  • Jose Alberto Alvarez Olivares
  • Fidel Espino Fuentes

Contacts:
Yara Mendoza, Consulado de Mexico en Filadelfia
(215) 922-4262 x510, ygmendoza@sre.gob.mx

Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian
(302) 257-3001, annie.norman@delaware.gov