DLA and FODL Endorse State Funding Increase for Public Libraries in FY2026

Delaware’s library community is coming together to advocate for a critical investment in the future of our public libraries. Today, the Delaware Library Association (DLA) and the Friends of Delaware Libraries (FODL) are sending a letter to the Joint Finance Committee, strongly endorsing the Council on Libraries’ request to increase Library Standards funding for FY 2026. 

This $2.1 million boost will ensure that Delaware’s libraries can continue to meet the growing needs of our communities, from expanding digital collections to maintaining essential services and staffing. With strong momentum and shared enthusiasm, we’re excited to lean into this campaign and work together to secure the funding our libraries deserve.

Joint Finance Committee 
Delaware General Assembly 
Legislative Hall 
Dover, DE 19901

To the Members of the Joint Finance Committee:

On behalf of the Delaware Library Association (DLA) and the Friends of Delaware Libraries (FODL), we write to express our strong support for the Delaware Council on Libraries’ request to increase the Library Standards budget by $2,104,264 for Fiscal Year 2026, as presented in the testimony by Ms. Candace Vessella on February 13, 2025. This increase would raise the Library Standards budget to $8,469,864 and ensure that Delaware’s public libraries will continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities across all three counties.

Delaware’s long-standing funding formula for public libraries has seen the state contribute 15% of operating costs, while the remaining 85% comes from county allocations, local fundraising, and other sources. However, the state portion of this formula has not kept pace with the rising costs of operating and maintaining public libraries, resulting in a funding gap that strains essential library services. Factors such as rising inflation, increased wages and benefits, escalating utility costs, and the growing demand for eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources have significantly outpaced the state’s current level of support.

Moreover, state and federal investments in library infrastructure have expanded Delaware’s library footprint, leading to new and renovated facilities. While these capital improvements provide state-of-the-art learning and community engagement spaces, they also require additional operational funding to support increased staffing, collections, and services. Without a corresponding increase in Library Standards funding, many libraries may face difficult budget decisions that could lead to reduced hours, programming, and access to vital resources.

As outlined in the Delaware Libraries Briefing Book, public libraries across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties serve as essential hubs for workforce readiness, telehealth access, literacy development, and digital inclusion. Libraries offer critical services such as job search assistance, support for small businesses, early childhood literacy programs, and digital literacy training. Additionally, they play a vital role in ensuring equitable access to technology and the Internet, particularly for underserved populations.

The proposed increase in Library Standards funding will:

• Align operational funding with recent capital investments to maintain and expand services. 
• Support equitable access to library resources across all three counties.
• Sustain the growing demand for digital collections and technology services.
• Ensure libraries remain well-staffed to meet community needs effectively.

As organizations that support and advocate for Delaware’s libraries, the DLA and FODL strongly urge the Joint Finance Committee to approve this funding increase. By doing so, the Legislature will reaffirm its commitment to the sustainability and effectiveness of public libraries, ensuring they continue to serve as essential community resources for education, economic development, and social engagement.

Thank you for considering this request. We appreciate your continued leadership and support for Delaware’s libraries and look forward to collaborating to strengthen library services for all Delawareans.

Sincerely,

Catherine Wemberly, Chair
Delaware Library Association Legislative Action Committee

Key Bowes, President
Friends of Delaware Libraries