DOVER, Del. (January 3, 2024) – From January 1 through November 28, 2024, the United States Forest Service and state library systems across the country are celebrating Smokey’s 80th birthday by participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. The challenge is geared towards children ages 4 through 10, but all ages are welcome to join. The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge aims to engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. The challenge is designed to complement the 2024 National Summer Library Reading Program theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” which will run from June through August.

“Delaware Libraries are excited to partner with the Delaware Forest Service and Smokey Bear to bring adventure and nature education to Delaware library users in 2024. Smokey Bear’s Reading Challenge means that Delaware’s children of all ages can learn about wildfire prevention, connect with nature, and have adventures at their library!” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian.

The Delaware Forest Service (DFS) is partnering with all 33 Delaware libraries to encourage children to take up the challenge. Each library will receive a package of forestry-themed books to add to their lending library, Smokey Bear signage, and prizes for those completing the challenge, to better help children and families connect with this iconic forest legend.

The Delaware Forest Service is coordinating a statewide Smokey Bear Library Tour in 2024 to promote the Reading Challenge and deliver programming on wildfire prevention and nature education to Delaware communities. During the tour, Smokey will be visiting local Delaware libraries. Ashley Melvin, the lead trainer/educator for the Delaware Forest Service, will provide educational opportunities for children using their traveling nature center. In addition, Smokey Bear will appear at community events throughout 2024, including the Delaware State Fair and holiday parades.

“We encourage families to spend time outdoors, and Delaware’s State Forests present ample opportunities to make meaningful connections with nature. Wherever your adventure takes you, Smokey’s timeless message reminds us that we all share the responsibility of keeping Delaware’s outdoor spaces safe from wildfire. Wildfire prevention and nature education are local initiatives, and a partnership with Delaware Libraries will continue to benefit Delawareans long after the Reading Challenge ends,” remarked Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd.

With the help of the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to learn about topics, including:

• Smokey Bear history
• Campfire safety
• Nature exploration
• Careers in forestry and natural resources
• Wildfire science

“Smokey Bear is a national icon, and the Delaware Forest Service is excited to help communities celebrate his 80th birthday. The timing is perfect as a statewide initiative exists to connect Delawareans to nature to increase environmental literacy,” said Ashley Melvin, DFS Trainer/Educator. “A big component of becoming environmentally literate is adopting environmentally responsible behaviors. Since 1944, Smokey Bear’s campaign has actively engaged the public to help prevent wildfires. I anticipate 2024 to be a very busy year for Smokey Bear!”

Families interested in participating in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge should visit their Delaware public library or sign-up online delawarelibraries.org/beanstack. Visit Delawarelibraries.org/list-of-libraries for a Delaware Libraries locations & hours. Visit the Delaware Forest Service’s Facebook page periodically for highlights and tips for earning badges. For information on requesting a Smokey Bear appearance, contact Ashley Melvin at ashley.melvin@delaware.gov. To learn more about the Communities in Nature Initiative, visit daeeonline.org.

NEW CASTLE (May 12, 2021) – Georgetown Public Library and the Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) have established a cooperative partnership designed to increase access to assistive technology training and support to the blind and visually impaired community.

DVI provides people who are blind and visually impaired access to statewide technology centers where they can work with a Technology Trainer to evaluate assistive technology equipment and training needs. The current Sussex County training center is within a state office campus that is inaccessible to fixed-route public transportation.

The partnership with the Georgetown Public Library provides DVI the opportunity to expand access in Sussex County because of its proximity to public transportation. In addition, the partnership promotes full immersion and community inclusion. The library is dedicating space for training purposes and DVI is providing training to the library staff so that they will feel confident serving patrons who are blind or visually impaired.

“We are excited about this partnership with the Georgetown Library as a way to enhance access to assistive technology training and support in Sussex County,” said Deborah Talley, Director of the Division for the Visually Impaired. “There is no more important priority for us a state agency than to meet members of the community where they are.”

“We are looking forward to this partnership as a way to provide access to library materials for more patrons,” said Rachel Jackson, Director of the Georgetown Public Library.

DVI and the library will conduct an environmental scan to ensure there are no hazards and to add Braille markings throughout the library. DVI has added basic equipment and software that will assist the library staff in working with the public. DVI will incorporate the library resources into training to encourage more frequent use of the library.

The Georgetown Public Library will allow DVI to:

• Conduct individualized assistive technology training in the library at the second-floor reference desk (primary) and/or in private classrooms (secondary).
• Occasionally conduct group training in larger rooms.
• Utilize a CCTV on the second-floor reference desk for training purposes.
• Utilize screen reading and screen magnification software on the computer workstation on the second-floor reference desk.

The Georgetown Public Library is at 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown. To contact the library, call 302-856-7958.

The Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) provides educational, vocational, and technical support to empower and foster independence for Delawareans with visual impairments. To learn more, visit DVI’s website: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dvi/

Many of us track our steps, our weight, and our sleep – How many of us also track our learning? Throughout history, innovators have written notes and drawn sketches to track and build upon their ideas and experiments. Delaware libraries want to help adults and children unleash their genius by making it easy to track your learning, too!

Tools for tracking learning come in all formats, from paper journals to online tools. Routine tracking will help you to discover the patterns in what interests you, to build your talents, and to develop your uniqueness.

• Unleash Your Genius on paper with the Delaware Libraries Learning Journal! Print a 5×7 or 8 ½ x 11 journal and start writing. Need ideas? Try tracking:
  • Your reading (titles, authors, genres & more)
  • Your experiences (programs, activities & more)
  • Your questions (& answers)
  • Your insights & ideas

• Track online with Beanstack! Our  Summer Library Learning tracker is back for Fall! Keep track of the books you’ve read and programs/workshops you’ve attended, and collect badges along the way.
• Find more tips, tools, and techniques to track your learning at Delaware Libraries Unleash Inner Genius
• Tell us what you think! Share your discoveries with us at feedback@lib.de.us, on Twitter, or on Facebook

Whatever your interest, whatever your talent, the library supports it. Explore a variety of subjects, to make connections and discover new interests. Then, chart your next path to discovery and innovation!

If you need assistance, your Delaware librarians can help! “Librarians are fascinated by, what fascinates YOU” said State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman. “And they are standing by to help you explore your curiosity and achieve your versions of the Delaware Dream.”

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.

Beth-Ann Ryan of the Delaware Division of Libraries has been named a “Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication, Library Journal.

In its March 15, 2016 issue, Library Journal named 54 outstanding professionals committed to providing excellent service and shaping the future of libraries. Beth-Ann was selected because of her commitment to the profession and her work on maximizing the statewide technology infrastructure (the Delaware Library Catalog), applying a library assessment logic model (Dewey Delaware), and creating the Inspiration Spaces in Delaware Libraries.

Beth-Ann currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries. She has presented nationally on the power of training, technology, data and collaboration to drive success.

Library Journal honored Beth-Ann because of her work in harnessing technology to maximize strategic partnerships.

“This year’s class of 54 joins a group of talented professionals who are committed, passionate, and invigorated—each alone and all together transforming the library world and the communities it impacts for the better,” said Rebecca T. Miller, Editorial Director of Library Journal and School Library Journal.

“Using her technology savvy, Beth-Ann fast-tracked implementation of numerous technologies among libraries statewide. Delaware is the First State, and thanks to Beth-Ann we can be proud of being the first state to maximize a robust statewide library technology platform,” said State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman.

Beth-Ann has been with the Delaware Division of Libraries since 2008, and has served as Deputy Director since 2011. She received a BA in Sociology and English from the University of Connecticut in 2000, an MLS from the University of Maryland in 2005 and Certification in Social Media Strategy from the University of Delaware in 2013.

The 2016 Movers & Shakers were selected by the editors of Library Journal, the profession’s leading trade magazine. Each of the Movers & Shakers will be prominently featured in the March 15th issue of Library Journal and celebrated at a special reception in June during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, FL. The print feature’s companion website is sponsored by OCLC and available at www.libraryjournal.com/movers2016.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY
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/classes, community partnerships, and more.

ABOUT LIBRARY JOURNAL
Founded in 1876, Library Journal is one of the oldest and most respected publications covering the library field. Over 75,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries read LJ. Library Journal reviews over 8000 books, audiobooks, videos, databases, and web sites annually, and provides coverage of technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. For more information, visit www.libraryjournal.com. Library Journal is a publication of Media Source Inc., which also owns School Library Journal, The Horn Book publications, and Junior Library Guild.

The Delaware School Libraries Council, with support from the Delaware Department of State and the Department of Education, is embarking on a Statewide Master Plan for Delaware School Libraries, a comprehensive planning effort designed to create a vision that will inform solutions for the development of state-of-the-art school libraries.

The year-long planning effort, which will appraise the current status of school library services and will address future trends and needs, will be conducted by the Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware and Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants. IPA has an extensive project management and strategic planning background in the public sector. Himmel & Wilson specializes in evaluation and planning services for libraries.

“Delaware has made a great investment in upgrading the services offered to residents in our 35 public libraries across the state,” said Secretary of State, Jeff Bullock. “Creating a Master Plan for Delaware’s school libraries ensures students will have the resources they need to be successful within their schools.”

“This is an opportunity for our school librarians, teachers, administrators, students and families to share their needs and help us coordinate services and resources across our state and between our public school and library systems,” Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said.

This school library planning process builds upon the strategic Statewide Master Plan for Delaware Public Libraries which resulted in significant improvements in public library buildings and sharing of library collections statewide through the Delaware Library Catalog. “A statewide strategic approach to all library services will support Delawareans in achieving potential in their education, career, and throughout life,” according to Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Chair of the Delaware School Libraries Council.

The consultants will review background documents and national research, and will obtain input from school librarians, educators, district administrators, students, parents, legislators, and the public through surveys, site visits, interviews, and focus groups. A focus of the researchers is determining the most effective methods to integrate electronic resources, instructional technologies, and information literacy/fluency at the individual school-building level. The project will identify ways to utilize print resources to engage elementary-age children with reading, and methods to equip older students to navigate and apply information resources in the post-secondary realm.

The final plan submitted to the Delaware School Libraries Council will provide recommendations for an integrated framework for school libraries, including library services, collections, funding, staffing, operating costs, maintenance, performance indicators and measures, policies, and state and local governance. The summary of efforts to improve school libraries to date and the recommendations for the Statewide Master Plan for Delaware School Libraries can be found in the 2013 Annual Report of the Delaware School Libraries Council.

About:
The Delaware School Libraries Council was enacted by Governor Markell in 2011 through Executive Order 30 to improve and extend school library services that are essential to educational success.

The Delaware Division of Libraries is a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries.