Representatives from the Georgetown, Lewes, Milford, Rehoboth and Selbyville libraries express gratitude for ARPA funding.

American Rescue Plan Act funding in the amount of $40 million will be distributed to libraries throughout all three counties in Delaware.

More than $11 million is going to libraries in Sussex County to expedite new construction projects and a number of upgrades to existing facilities.

Without these funds, libraries would face long periods of fundraising in order to make necessary enhancements to their buildings.

Representatives from the Georgetown, Lewes, Milford, Rehoboth and Selbyville libraries wish to express their gratitude to Delaware’s congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and Sen. Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, who supported ARPA legislation. They also thank Gov. John Carney for recognizing that this investment in libraries will enrich communities for years to come. Libraries undergoing capital projects are also eligible to receive additional funding through the Bond Bill, which is included in the governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2023.

Libraries in Delaware focus on providing programs and services with an emphasis on health, education and employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Delawareans faced hardships and inequities. In order to address the disparities, libraries distributed COVID-19 testing kits and provided assistance to job seekers including resume help and computer classes.

As Delaware parents were forced to worry about shrinking job prospects and homeschooling children, many Delaware libraries provided access to free grab-and-go kits focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) to keep children engaged and inspired. Many libraries provided free lunches, books and other essentials in an effort to alleviate the growing burdens caused by COVID-19.

The funds provided by ARPA will ensure the vitality and value of Delaware libraries in the years to come. With the support of the Delaware General Assembly and the state’s congressional delegation, Delaware libraries are equipped to serve Delawareans in the 21st century. Now lending Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks, and even blood pressure cuffs, library services continue to evolve based on the needs and wants of patrons. Local library representatives are grateful for the opportunity to serve their communities and for the funding allocations to do so properly.

For a complete list of materials available for checkout, go to the Delaware library catalog at dlc.lib.de.us, and for a list of programs, go to the Delaware library event calendar at lib.de.us.