Friday, November 26, 2021

DOVER – For the first time in the organization’s history, the Delaware Library Association (DLA) is partnering with libraries across the state to launch a #GivingTuesday campaign to raise funds to support programs and services available at Delaware public libraries. From November 26 through December 2, donors can log on to Fundlibraries.org and pledge to their favorite library, or to the general Delaware Libraries campaign which will be evenly distributed to Delaware public libraries.

Delaware Libraries make it happen by providing engaging, informational, and transformational programs, services, and collections.  This was never truer than during the COVID pandemic. Even while their buildings were closed, staff rallied to serve the community by providing:

• Thousands of additional eBook, eAudio, and online program collections
• Hundreds of thousands of hours of telephone and virtual reference sessions
• Curbside and grab and go access to library materials, craft and STEM kits
• Boosting signals to stable broadband, adding WiFi hotspots in parking lots, and providing devices for checkout
• Using bookmobiles as full-service mobile libraries throughout their communities 

When you give to Delaware Public Libraries this Giving Tuesday, you’ll be giving the gift of libraries to thousands of Delawareans who rely on the services and programs of their local libraries.

Contribute to the advancement of Delawareans by donating this Giving Tuesday. Delaware libraries accelerate personal learning and innovation for all Delawareans, from the youngest to the oldest.  Starting at birth, Delaware Libraries support literacy with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which gifts a book monthly up until a child’s 5th birthday; to technology and life-long learning programs like Northstar, for the older generations.

Your donation will help Delaware libraries continue to provide technology & services that impacts our communities for the better. Libraries are the community bridge that connects people together.  Please join us this season in giving, so that Delaware libraries can continue to offer an exceptionally robust catalog of services, materials and programming.

If you wish to donate this #GivingTuesday ~ fundlibraries.org/delaware-libraries/giving-tuesday

Partners:

Assisting with this effort, EveryLibrary Institute has been working with Delaware’s libraries to provide training and the platform to receive online donations, Fundlibraries.org.  As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the EveryLibrary Institute acts as the fiscal agent to collect charitable donations from individuals and corporate donors and disburses them directly to either the library or a local Friends Group of the library at the close of the fundraising campaign.

Fundlibraries.org is the first and only crowdfunding website dedicated solely to innovative library and literacy projects in school, public, and academic communities. It is a one-stop fundraising platform for libraries and library support organizations that connects great ideas in need of crowdsourced funding with tens of thousands of potential donors in the state and across the country.  

The Delaware Library Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the cause of libraries and librarianship through advocacy, education, and public policy.  For more information about Delaware Library Association, visit their website at dla.lib.de.us.

DOVER, Del. — Smokey Bear joined Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, the Dover Volunteer Fire Department, and the Delaware Forest Service to celebrate “National Fire Prevention Week” at the Dover Public Library’s Songs and Stories event for young children and their families. Governor John C. Carney, Jr. has proclaimed the week of October 3 to 9, 2021 as “Fire Prevention Week in Delaware” and ” to urge all citizens to thank community firefighters, familiarize themselves with the smoke alarms in their home, develop a home fire escape plan, and participate in efforts to prevent fire situations.”

The story time event at the library featured sing-a-longs and stories that highlighted the work of volunteer firefighters and the need to prevent forest fires. Outside the library, children and their families got a big welcome from Smokey Bear and the opportunity to “touch a truck” during a “meet and greet” with members of the Dover Fire Department and the Delaware Forest Service.

National Fire Prevention Week:

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) observes National Fire Prevention Week every year to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 blaze that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871. This year’s theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” – designed to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make.

Smokey Bear:

Smokey’s motto is “Only you can prevent wildfires.” A wealth of information and resources for all ages are available at smokeybear.com  Created in 1944, the Smokey Bear campaign is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history, educating generations of Americans about their role in preventing wildfires. As one of the world’s most recognizable characters, Smokey’s image is protected by U.S. federal law and is administered by the USDA Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. Despite the campaign’s success over the years, wildfire prevention remains one of the most critical issues affecting our country. Smokey’s message is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944. Statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center show that in 2020, more than 53,000 wildfires – or roughly 9 in 10 – were caused by humans.

September marks Library Card Sign-up Month, Free Story Walks in each county

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney on Friday encouraged students and families to read throughout the school year by promoting the new Story Walks created in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Delaware Division of Libraries and Syncretic Press, a multi-lingual book publisher based in Wilmington.

“Delaware students, families and educators worked hard this summer to make sure learning was accelerated before students went back to classrooms. This effort was capped off with the introduction of the Story Walks in our Delaware State Parks,” said Governor Carney. “One of our highest education priorities is to make sure third graders are reading at grade level. Programs like these Story Walks will help children experience reading in an interactive way in all three counties. We encourage you to check out the Story Walks and sign up for a library card if you don’t have one.”

“Language exposure is such a huge part of healthy brain development, and we’re not going to be able to tackle any of our big problems unless we address that healthy brain development for young children,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “Bringing books to settings where kids are comfortable and that they associate with fun, like at our parks, is a great way to encourage reading.”

The Story Walks launched on September 1 in Brandywine Park, Killen’s Pond, and Trap Pond. There is a different story featured at each park including: Noah and the Red Cat, Spanish Tortilla, and Time to Play. The book titles and installations were managed by Syncretic Press. All stories are available in English and Spanish.

“We are grateful for the State Literacy Plan funding that enabled us to partner with DNREC on this project so we can promote both reading and outdoor exercise. When families visit Delaware’s beautiful parks, we hope the story walks will provide an enjoyable opportunity to jump into a new book,” said Secretary of Education Susan Bunting. “Families can read the stories together and talk about the books with their children while they are walking. They can discuss what the characters are doing and make predictions from one story board to the next. We hope such experiences encourage reading as a family not just while at the park but also when at home. It’s our goal to create lifelong readers in the state of Delaware.”

“We are excited to host these Story Walks within Delaware State Parks and offer our visitors opportunities to read while in nature,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “The stories are fun to read and provide short literary adventures that we hope both children and adults enjoy exploring.”

“In times when everything moves so fast even when we read a story, a Book Walk allows you to pause between the pages and wonder what is coming next as you literally walk to the next page. Engaging the mind and body this way allows the reader to better savor the story and the illustrations,” said Enrique Morás, Co-Founder and Managing Editor of Syncretic Press. “We are excited to introduce these Latin American authors and illustrators to readers in Delaware. Bringing diverse perspectives on art and storytelling open up new windows of understanding, growth and tolerance in our community.”

The Delaware Division of Libraries is also promoting Library Card Sign-up Month throughout September. Individuals can sign up for a library card at delawarelibraries.org or in person at their local public library. 

“September is Library Card Sign-up Month! A library card is a school essential, and it’s free,” said Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries. “About half of Delawareans have a library card. Register for your library card today, online or in person at your local public library.”

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Thursday August 26, 2021

Dover, DE – Delaware Libraries are pleased to announce the launch of Northstar Digital Literacy, an online training tool for basic computer skills. Northstar Digital Literacy provides digital literacy assessments and tutorials in basic computer skills and tips for how to use technology in daily life. Delaware Libraries and Literacy Delaware are partnering to provide access and to support use of the Northstar Digital Literacy tool by Delawareans:

• Delaware Libraries provide free access to the internet with fast internet speeds through computer and wifi access. Librarians provide training and assistance for patrons in using devices for reading, school, work, and more.
• Literacy Delaware provides expertise and additional in-depth assistance for adults with low English and/or low literacy skills to further support their achievement, and will also proctor certifications upon request.

As Delaware re-emerges post COVID, a prepared workforce will be critical and the foundation for employment is digital literacy. The Northstar Digital Literacy tool simplifies and standardizes digital literacy training to manage the increased demand for assistance. Making available the Northstar Digital Literacy tool through libraries expands and equalizes access for all Delawareans.

“Delaware Libraries have been providing internet access and assisting Delawareans with digital literacy skills since the 1990s,” stated Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director, Delaware Division of Libraries. “Joining forces with Literacy Delaware provides a powerful partnership for additional expert support for adult learners.”

“One thing COVID-19 has underscored, is the inequity in accessing technology and the lack of digital literacy skills,” said Cynthia Shermeyer, Executive Director, Literacy Delaware. “We are excited to partner with the Delaware Division of Libraries to engage in providing digital literacy skills programming using Northstar Digital Literacy.”

Northstar includes access to:

• Digital Literacy Assessment to benchmark skill level
• Digital literacy skills curriculum to work at your own pace
• Classes to provide the training needed to fill or bridge gaps
• Credentials to build a more robust workforce portfolio

Find the Northstar Digital Literacy tool at delawarelibraries.org/emedia or directly at digitalliteracyassessment.org. For more information, ask at your local public library or online at Ask a Librarian Delaware.

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.

The mission of Literacy Delaware is advancing literacy through training, tutoring, English language acquisition and advocacy for all Delawareans.

Thursday August 26, 2021

Dover, DE – Delaware Libraries are pleased to announce the launch of Northstar Digital Literacy, an online training tool for basic computer skills. Northstar Digital Literacy provides digital literacy assessments and tutorials in basic computer skills and tips for how to use technology in daily life. Delaware Libraries and Literacy Delaware are partnering to provide access and to support use of the Northstar Digital Literacy tool by Delawareans:

• Delaware Libraries provide free access to the internet with fast internet speeds through computer and wifi access. Librarians provide training and assistance for patrons in using devices for reading, school, work, and more.
• Literacy Delaware provides expertise and additional in-depth assistance for adults with low English and/or low literacy skills to further support their achievement, and will also proctor certifications upon request.

As Delaware re-emerges post COVID, a prepared workforce will be critical and the foundation for employment is digital literacy. The Northstar Digital Literacy tool simplifies and standardizes digital literacy training to manage the increased demand for assistance. Making available the Northstar Digital Literacy tool through libraries expands and equalizes access for all Delawareans.

“Delaware Libraries have been providing internet access and assisting Delawareans with digital literacy skills since the 1990s,” stated Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director, Delaware Division of Libraries. “Joining forces with Literacy Delaware provides a powerful partnership for additional expert support for adult learners.”

“One thing COVID-19 has underscored, is the inequity in accessing technology and the lack of digital literacy skills,” said Cynthia Shermeyer, Executive Director, Literacy Delaware. “We are excited to partner with the Delaware Division of Libraries to engage in providing digital literacy skills programming using Northstar Digital Literacy.”

Northstar includes access to:

• Digital Literacy Assessment to benchmark skill level
• Digital literacy skills curriculum to work at your own pace
• Classes to provide the training needed to fill or bridge gaps
• Credentials to build a more robust workforce portfolio

Find the Northstar Digital Literacy tool at delawarelibraries.org/emedia or directly at digitalliteracyassessment.org. For more information, ask at your local public library or online at Ask a Librarian Delaware.

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.

The mission of Literacy Delaware is advancing literacy through training, tutoring, English language acquisition and advocacy for all Delawareans.