Celebrate National Library Week April 8-14

(Dover, DE) – This week, Delaware joins libraries nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries enrich their communities through the transformative services and expertise they offer.

April 8-14, 2018 is National Library Week, the annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians, and library workers. People of all ages can collaborate, try out new technologies, and develop their skills and passions at Delaware libraries throughout the state.

“We are privileged to partner with our libraries to transform lives through the First Chance Delaware initiative,” said Delaware’s First Lady, Tracey Quillen Carney. “Our goal is to ensure that all of Delaware’s children have a ‘first chance’ to succeed. Certainly, promoting early literacy and school readiness is a critical part of that work; and in addition, libraries are playing an increasingly important role as centers of community life. So the library habit is about literacy, and also about parent-child engagement and access to other services that support strong and healthy families. To support our families and a first chance for all our children, I encourage every Delawarean to get and use a Delaware library card.”

“Delaware has made a great investment in upgrading the services offered to residents in our 33 public libraries across the state,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “What’s great about Delaware librarians is their enthusiasm and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the community,”

Through partnerships, libraries can extend the reach and effectiveness of partner capabilities and resources and foster collaboration. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who seek information and access to technologies to improve their quality of life.” said Deputy Secretary of State Courtney Stewart.

Although studies show that in the public’s mind the library brand is “books,” this week showcases libraries’ role to support all topics as a place to “get things done.” As technology evolves, libraries continuously keep pace to ensure individuals and communities excel. Resources like eBooks and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, and programs for job seekers are just a few ways libraries recently — and continuously — transform and lead in their communities.

“Libraries are making experiences come alive, off the page, for our communities,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian. “Libraries are a linchpin for discovery in all subject areas, and we are working with partners and experts to make available a greater array of experiences for our communities. So Delawareans have the opportunity they might not have otherwise to discover a passion, to develop an expertise, and to make connections to support invention and innovation.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Find more information about your local libraries at https://delawarelibraries.org.

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.

About the Delaware Division of Libraries

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.

#FirstChanceDE, #GetaLibraryCardDE

 


Give the Gift of Free eBooks This Holiday Season

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 31,000 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!

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

Library friends groups throughout the state are supporting eMedia collections. Library patrons may also invest in the purchase of additional eBooks by joining their local Friends groups and/or by making tax-deductible contributions to the Delaware Libraries eBook account at the Delaware Community Foundation.

“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!”


Governor Carney Signs Legislation to Boost Library Technology, Scholarship Opportunities

New measures will help libraries coordinate technology resources and offer additional educational opportunities

NEWARK, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed into law House Bill 94 and House Bill 34, legislation that will allow Delaware libraries to further their efforts to coordinate technology resources statewide and offer more educational opportunities to library and archives professionals.

“Delaware libraries have become centers for exploration and innovation – places where people from all walks of life can ignite their passions and unleash their potential. Technology is the lynchpin of the modern library, and I’m proud that libraries across our state are working in such close collaboration to bring those resources to the public,” said Governor Carney. “I’m also proud to continue to honor the legacy of a true champion for our libraries, Ada Leigh Soles, by extending the scholarship that bears her name to more eligible professionals in the library and archives fields.”

The two measures signed into law Wednesday at the Newark Free Library include House Bill 94, which codifies the state Division of Libraries’ responsibility to administer the Delaware Library Consortium. Launched in 2010, this statewide network of libraries has partnered together to improve the quality and accessibility of technological resources available at libraries. The consortium’s efforts include the development of a statewide digital library catalog and the expansion of high-speed broadband internet access to all public libraries, as well as coordinated purchasing of computer hardware and a centralized tech help desk.

House Bill 34, also signed Wednesday, expands the availability of the Ada Leigh Soles Memorial Professional Librarian and Archivist Incentive Scholarship Program to include employees of non-public libraries in Delaware that join the consortium. Established in 2010 as a tribute to the late Newark legislator and tireless advocate for libraries, the Ada Leigh Soles award provides financial assistance to students who work for Delaware libraries and the Delaware Public Archives.

Both measures were approved earlier this year by the General Assembly with unanimous support. Newark-area legislators Representative Paul Baumbach and Senator David Sokola led the effort to pass the bills.

“It is my honor to have sponsored House Bill 34, which enhances the Ada Leigh Soles scholarship, given that Ada Leigh was my state representative when I moved back to Newark in 1990,” said Representative Baumbach. “Just as Ada Leigh was a cornerstone of our community during her tenure, libraries are cornerstones of our communities throughout our state and nation.”

“My mother was passionate about education, libraries and serving her community. A scholarship that helps educate librarians and archivists so that they can serve their communities is the perfect tribute to her,” said Catherine Soles Pomeroy, daughter of Ada Leigh Soles. “Of course, she always said that this type of recognition was just the whipped cream on top of what was a very fulfilling career. But who doesn’t enjoy some whipped cream every now and then?”

New Castle County administers the largest network of public libraries in the state and serves as a key partner in the Delaware Library Consortium. The Division of Libraries, which oversees the consortium, is an agency of the Delaware Department of State.

“Our library system enables countless residents to study, learn, and find work. We are extremely appreciative of the Department of State’s support for technology in libraries across Delaware, including the many libraries in New Castle County,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “The statewide library consortium formalized through this legislation will provide residents with equal access to the information they need to conduct their daily lives.”

“The Delaware Library Consortium now enables libraries to ‘crowdsource’ community services through a growing network of partner agencies and nonprofits,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director of the Division of Libraries. “Under the leadership of Gov. Carney, we look forward to maximizing these services on behalf of library patrons across the state.”

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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