Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney Celebrate Groundbreaking for New Harrington Public Library

Project kick-started by American Rescue Plan Act funding

HARRINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney today joined State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman, Harrington Public Library Director, Marleena Scott, and elected officials for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Harrington Public Library.

Currently, the Harrington Public Library is the only public library in the state that doesn’t have a purpose-built facility. After construction is completed, they will finally have a space built specifically for library services.

The Harrington Public Library is one of nine libraries in Delaware to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester – included $40 million in funding for library improvements throughout all three counties.

The projects within the Capital Projects Fund must meet strict criteria to be eligible for funding. That includes funding projects that specifically enable work, education, and health monitoring – and respond to issues created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For far too long the Harrington Public Library has been limited by their space. The children and families of the area will soon enjoy a new, purpose-built building,” said Governor Carney. “Delaware’s libraries serve our communities with resources, collaboration, and creativity. The last few years have reinforced the central role libraries play in our communities as hubs for job training, employment searches, and education. I’m glad that we can use these ARPA funds to invest in the communities that need it most. I want to thank the Congressional delegation and the General Assembly for their advocacy and look forward to attending the ribbon-cutting at this site in the future.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are helping someone find a job, providing a safe place for the community to gather, and giving people access to resources that they wouldn’t normally have,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Delaware’s libraries are helping educate and connect more people than ever, including right here in Harrington.” 

“Libraries have always been social and educational hubs for our communities, and the pandemic only reinforced just how much they ensure Delawareans of all stripes can access the tools needed for success in the 21st century,” said Senator Chris Coons. “Every corner of Delaware deserves a well-maintained library with the latest technology available, and I’m glad to see federal funding coming to the First State to invest in our library system.”

“Libraries provide so much to our communities – from books and internet access to employment services and health care,” said Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I am so proud to have secured funding for our state’s libraries through the transformative American Rescue Plan Act – and am even prouder to see the impact of this funding already at work helping expand and develop these critical spaces for young people, students, families, and seniors across Delaware to continue utilizing.”

“Our families and children rely on our libraries for helpful information, books, and internet access, especially our young people as they enter the summer months,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “These are the kinds of investments we need to create a cradle to grave support system for Delawareans’ social and emotional wellbeing, strengthening our communities and uplifting our quality of life.”

“Delaware’s libraries provide vital services to our communities,” said State Senator David Wilson. “The new Harrington Public Library will enhance and expand the already great level of service the current facility and staff provide.”

“Our state and communities benefit greatly by the wonderful public libraries here in Delaware,” said State Senator Dave Lawson. “Investing in libraries is important and I’m happy to see the Harrington Public Library is receiving this much needed new facility.”

“This is a great day for the citizens and families of Harrington,” said State Representative Shannon Morris. “The new, state-of-the-art facility will help serve our community in a way that is aimed at enhancing people’s overall quality of life. I am thrilled to see this project begin.”

“The Harrington Public Library is a priority on my Library Bucket List to achieve a professional library facility,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware State Librarian. “Many thanks to Governor Carney, Secretary Jeffrey Bullock, and all the public officials who matched Bond Bill and ARPA funds to finally make this possible!”

“This long-awaited event will be a boon for Harrington and all the surrounding communities,” said Marleena Scott, Director of the Harrington Public Library. “We are so very grateful for all of the support that we have received and feel extremely blessed that we will be able to offer to our community a facility that is meant to be a library, and that can grow with future generations.”

The other Delaware Libraries receiving funding from ARPA are:

  • $7 million to the Selbyville Library for a new building
  • $750,000 to the Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion
  • $900,000 to the Milford Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $250,000 to the Georgetown Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $7.8 million to the Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library to build an expanded library
  • $11 million to the North Wilmington Library for a new building
  • $4 million to the Newark Public Library for a new building
  • $3 million to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library for upgrades

View photos and video from the ceremony.

Summer learning opportunities are now available in the State of Delaware.


Governor Carney Announces Sales Agreement for New Wilmington Library Location

WILMINGTON, Del.— Governor Carney today announced that the State of Delaware has entered into a sales agreement for a new Wilmington Library. The site, located at 3905 North Market Street, is the current site of the vintage Saab dealership. The construction of the new library, which will provide ample land for site development and increased parking needs, will be funded through approximately $22M that was secured in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Bond Bill and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“Libraries have evolved to meet the needs of communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Carney. “This new library in Wilmington will provide services to the surrounding community, benefitting families and children for generations. This could not have been made possible without the work of various stakeholders. Thank you to our Congressional delegation who secured American Rescue Plan Act funds, members of the General Assembly who ensured funding for library infrastructure through the Bond Bill, and the community leaders who advocated for this.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in children and families of all walks of life,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “No other public institution but libraries can assist someone looking for employment, provide health and social services, and connect individuals to critical resources all in one place. Through this much-needed investment, we are setting a pathway for success for the greater Wilmington community.”

State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman led the initiative to procure the site, working closely with state legislators, leadership at the existing Wilmington Library, and other community advocates.

“This agreement is a huge milestone in our effort to revitalize the community through a state-of-the-art Wilmington Library,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “This investment will make a significant difference to the Wilmington community and is a testament to the leadership and hard work of all stakeholders who made this possible.”

“Libraries help bridge inequities in our communities,” said State Senator Darius Brown. “Reimagining our libraries is paramount to helping our young folks who are falling through the cracks of our education system and as a result, ending up on the streets. This investment is about giving our children in marginalized communities better opportunities to succeed.”

“I’m grateful that our work to build a new Wilmington Library is one step closer,” said State Representative Nmandi Chukwuocha. “There is a close correlation between libraries, literacy levels, and crime in our country. By investing in this new library, we’re working to improve graduation rates while reducing the crime rate on our streets so that more kids end up on a path to successful lives and prosperous careers. Smart investments like these are powerful to change our communities for the better.”

“We’re shaping a new future with this investment—an investment that will both spur economic development in the City of Wilmington as well as enhance our youth’s wellbeing,” said Jamar Rahming, North Wilmington Library Director. “Libraries are hubs for children to read, learn about the arts, and explore different cultures. They’re also connectors to different services and resources for adults and families. By providing our community with 21st Century infrastructure, we are providing them with the tools to thrive and become proactive citizens in our societies. I can’t think of a better investment for our youth and families, and I am thankful for all the individuals who worked tirelessly to get us to this point.”

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 (https://delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks; programs/workshops; community partnerships; and more. Delaware Libraries and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney’s First Chance initiative promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. In Delaware’s Imagination Library program, children ages birth up to their fifth birthday receive a free book in the mail each month. The purpose is to instill the habit of reading, and create the library habit, too.

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ICYMI: Dolly Parton in Delaware for the Imagination Library Statewide Celebration

1,005 Delaware Children Signed Up in One Week

WILMINGTON, Del.– Governor John Carney, First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, and Dr. Annie Norman of the Delaware Libraries on Thursday welcomed American icon Dolly Parton for a statewide celebration of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library surrounded by public librarians and library staff, reading and early education advocates, superintendents, principals, members of the General Assembly and members of the Cabinet. This event was a celebration that every child in Delaware from birth to age five, is eligible to enroll in this free book-gifting program.

Since the public announcement of Dolly’s arrival in Delaware last week, more than 1,000 Delaware children have been signed up for the Imagination Library. As of last week, over 21,000 Delaware children are enrolled in the program.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995 to foster a love of reading for the children within her home county. Today, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gifting program that is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading. In partnership with local affiliate partners, the program mails high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five – at no cost to families. Over 2 million books are mailed each month in five countries –every 1.4 seconds a book is mailed.

“The Imagination Library has deepened Dolly Parton’s legacy in the most meaningful possible way, through service to our children,” said Governor John Carney. “Thank you to Dolly Parton and her team for coming to Delaware to celebrate the Imagination Library of Delaware program, and thanks to Dr. Norman, my wife Tracey, and the amazing partners across the state that have made this program a success.”

In Delaware, every child under the age of five is eligible to receive a gift of a monthly book at no charge to families. Families can sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library on Delaware Libraries’ website: delawarelibraries.org/imagination.

“With gratitude to all the partners, it is my privilege to serve as the honorary chair of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Delaware,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney. “The Imagination Library books are a wonderful collection and I’m grateful I’ve been able to read them with young Delawareans since the program’s inception. I look forward to seeing more Delaware families sign up for this incredible program.”

“Delaware Libraries are delighted to facilitate Imagination Library for our youngest Delawareans and their families,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian. “Acquiring the reading and library habit early is a foundation for curiosity and success throughout life!”

Rewatch Thursday’s event:


About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. In partnership with local community affiliates, the program has gifted well over 180 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly Parton started her Imagination Library in 1995 to foster a love of reading for the children within her home county. Today, her program mails over 2 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month directly to children’s homes. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month until their fifth birthday – at no cost to families. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com

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Photo credit: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library


First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, Delaware Libraries Announce 2021 Summer Library Reading Program

Registration is open for summer reading program

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Delaware’s First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney and State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman on Wednesday announced the launch of the 2021 statewide Summer Library Reading Program, Tails and Tales. Delaware libraries are noted for hosting the longest running statewide public library summer reading program in the nation. Now in its 43rd year, the annual Summer Library Reading Program 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.

“Foundational language skills are critical for healthy brain development and school readiness for our youngest children,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, who convenes the First Chance Delaware initiative and serves as honorary chair of the Delaware Library Card Campaign and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. “Developing literacy skills and the library habit support ongoing success as students move through and beyond school. And the two-generation programs and access to supportive services at our libraries also help to build strong families and communities.”

“Libraries are helping Delaware students make up for the unfinished learning that occurred over the past year,” said Governor John Carney. “We are working to get third grade students reading on grade level, and reading even 20 minutes a day can have a big impact on a child’s development. I encourage Delaware families to visit your local library this summer, pick up a book, and encourage those in our lives to keep reading and keep learning.”

Registration for the Summer Library Reading Program at all public libraries is free in person or online. Incentive badges are awarded based on reading and activity milestones.  Visit the Summer Library Reading Program for the schedule of online and outdoor events throughout the summer. The Performing Arts component of the program is sponsored in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts.

“For more than 40 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.”

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 on the Unleash Inner Genius guide. Young “pre-readers” (children who cannot yet read) 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.

About the program:

Summer arts programs are supported by the Delaware Division of Libraries and, 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 of Arts promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.

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

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Delaware Libraries Launch 2020 Summer Reading Program

(Dover, DE) Delaware’s First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will host a virtual kick-off of the 2020 statewide Summer Library Reading Program, Imagine Your Story, on Wednesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. with State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. The launch is co-sponsored by the Delaware Division of the Arts and will feature a virtual performance by Turtle Dance Music with Matt Mazar.

“Promoting foundational language skills is a critical part of giving all of Delaware’s children a ‘first chance’ to succeed,” said First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, who convenes the  First Chance Delaware initiative and serves as honorary chair of the Delaware Library Card Campaign and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library pilot program. “The library habit supports educational success and also supports strong families, with two-generation programs and access to a range of services. I’m very proud of my Delaware library card, because of what it does for me and what it represents for our community.”

The virtual kick-off can be accessed at the Delaware Libraries website, along with details about the program and registration.

Delaware libraries are noted for hosting the longest running statewide public library summer reading program in the nation. Now in its 42nd year, the annual Summer Library Reading Program 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 40 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 yet read) can get credit for books that are read to them. Throughout the summer, online this year, 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 Library Reading Program at all public libraries is free online. Incentive badges 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 on the Unleash Inner Genius guide.

Visit the Summer Library Reading Program for the schedule of online events throughout the summer. The Performing Arts component of the program, including Turtle Dance Music, is sponsored in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts.

About:

Summer arts programs are supported by the Delaware Division of Libraries and, 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 of Arts promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com

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

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