DOVER – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights efforts to expand broadband access throughout Delaware and the positive impact it has on our overall economy.

“I’m proud of Delaware’s consistent ranking as one of the best broadband states, but we also face a challenge seen across the nation,” said Governor Markell. “Americans in rural areas are significantly less likely to have access. By expanding the benefits of broadband, we’ll create economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for our people, and we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/kuOD5boJMso
Delaware.Gov:  http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
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Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Expanding Broadband Access to Strengthen Our Economy

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(Dover, Del.) Governor Jack Markell, the Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) on behalf of the Delaware Library Consortium, and Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, on June 23, 2014, establishing an agreement and partnership for collaboration to extend the capacity of library services in supporting community needs.

The agreement allows Delaware libraries to integrate the popular items of the DAFB Library collection into the statewide Delaware Library Catalog. The shared collection currently consists of over 2.5 million print and digital items.

“The Library Directors are delighted to receive this high quality collection from the Dover Air Force Base Library.  Through community collaborations such as this, Delaware libraries and their partners support Delawareans in achieving their versions of the Delaware Dream.” said Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The collection will be managed among Delaware libraries throughout the state, making it available to all Delaware residents.  The partnership between DAFB and Delaware Libraries will maximize resources and services for the benefit of DAFB families and all Delawareans.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with the State of Delaware to enhance the services available to DAFB families and all Delawareans,” said Col. Kevin Gordon, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander. “Initiatives like this further cement the bond between DAFB and the local community, and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship.”

The integration of the DAFB Library collection to the Delaware Library Catalog (delawarelibraries.org) is an initiative resulting from the transformation of DAFB library last March and will make the most popular collections, children’s books and educations materials available to all Delawareans.

DAFB families are eligible to register for Delaware Library Cards and are encouraged to join Library Friends groups to become more involved in the local and statewide community. For more information about the Delaware Division of Libraries visit: http://libraries.delaware.gov/.

Contact: Beth-Ann Ryan at (302) 257-3002 or beth-ann.ryan@delaware.gov. Delaware Division of Libraries, Deputy Director

Dover, DE – The Delaware Library Association (DLA) is celebrating 80 years of supporting Delaware and Delaware libraries.  DLA champions the role that libraries play as vital community anchors for literacy, education, connection, economic development, and lifelong learning.

Christine Payne, DLA President and 2013 School Librarian of the Year stated, “The Delaware Library Association is 80 years young! This is very exciting time to be in libraries and we are thrilled to be celebrating 80 strong years of advocating for all types of libraries in Delaware.  Thank you to all members, past and present, who have shown such a strong commitment to Delawareans and thank you to our future members who will dedicate their time and efforts to continuing this extremely important work.”

In addition to advocacy and professional development initiatives, DLA also honors librarians and library supporters at their annual conference.  Many previous DLA award recipients are still actively supporting libraries today:

• Governor  Jack Markell (Distinguished Service Citation, 2006) has already supported over $25 million for public library construction;
• Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock (Distinguished Service Citation, 2010) supports full funding for public library technology and infrastructure improvements  enabling statewide public library Wi-Fi and high-speed broadband connectivity;
• State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman (Distinguished Librarian Citation, 2011) established the statewide Delaware Library Catalog which enables the sharing of over 2.5 million items among more than 50 multitype libraries;
• University  of Delaware Associate University Librarian Dr. Sandra Millard (Distinguished Librarian Citation, 2002) established UDLib/SEARCH, the online periodical collection for all K-12 public school libraries;
• And many more!  The complete list of award recipients may be found at: http://www2.lib.udel.edu/dla/scholarship/recipients.htm

“All Delaware libraries are committed to the vision of progressive libraries and the transformational impact they have on the people who use them,” said Dr. Norman. “Delaware libraries help individuals and communities unleash their potential and achieve the Delaware Dream.”

DLA is proud to partner with a variety of organizations, including the Delaware Division of Libraries, Friends of Delaware Libraries, and local Friends groups to further their mission.  DLA thanks libraries and library advocates for their unwavering support through the years, and thanks all Delawareans for their use and support of Delaware libraries.  Delaware librarians and library supporters will be celebrating National Library Week April 13 – 19 and will be visiting Legislative Hall for DLA Legislative Day on Tuesday, April 29.

About the Delaware Library Association

The Delaware Library Association is a chapter of the American Library Association, and its mission is to promote the profession of librarianship, to advocate for library services, and to provide information and services for Delawareans.  DLA is the only statewide association that represents all types of libraries including academic, public, school, and special libraries. Connect with DLA: https://www.facebook.com/DelawareLibraryAssociation

Contact: Cathay Keough, Cathay.keough@lib.de.us, 302-983-1430

February 20, 2014 – Today the Gigabit Libraries Netowrk (GLN) announced the international expansion of its Libraries WhiteSpace Pilot. New pilot projects will be deployed over the next few months… Press Release Going Global release Final Final PDF

Introduce your kids to Delaware Libraries’ Kid’s Collection of digital titles

Delaware Libraries have expanded their services with a new digital collection website experience just for kids. The “Kids eReading Room” filters the overall digital collection to only show Children’s content, which gets kids to the books they want faster. Browsing can be done by subject, reading level, or interest level. The Kids Collection features popular series such as Big Nate, Fancy Nancy, Harry Potter and more. It also includes non-fiction subjects such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), history, and art.

This appealing and user-friendly site contains eBooks and audiobooks. Digital titles are available anytime, anywhere and expire automatically, so there is no need to worry about late fees. This service is available and free to anyone with a Delaware public library card.

Delaware’s libraries recognize the need to provide a friendly environment for kids to browse library materials. Just as the children’s section of the physical library has its own collection, the same experience is now available for the digital collection.

The main digital collection is located at http://delaware.lib.overdrive.com. From there, users can click on the For Kids Reading Room icon to go to the kids’ site. Or, they can go there directly at http://delaware.lib.overdrive.com/kids.

Media Contact: Beth-Ann Ryan, Delaware Division of Libraries
(302) 257-3002 | beth-ann.ryan@delaware.gov