Setting the Delaware Libraries Legislative Agenda for FY2027

For the 2026 legislative session, the Delaware Library Association (DLA) and the Friends of Delaware Libraries (FODL) are asking lawmakers to support a focused agenda designed to strengthen literacy, support community learning, and ensure that Delaware’s libraries remain vibrant public resources.

The agenda focuses on three priorities:

1. Fully funding the state aid formula for public libraries in FY2027

2. Investing in library construction and modern facilities through the FY2027 Bond Bill

3. Ensuring that every Delaware student has access to a school library staffed by a certified librarian

Together, these priorities will strengthen the entire library ecosystem across the state.

Libraries are part of Delaware’s educational and economic infrastructure. Public libraries support workforce readiness programs, digital literacy training, and small business development. They help residents access healthcare through telehealth services and connect families to social services and educational opportunities.

They also play a critical role in addressing Delaware’s literacy emergency.

Research consistently shows that access to books and strong library programs improves reading outcomes and academic achievement. Libraries help children develop reading skills early, support students throughout their education, and provide adults with opportunities to strengthen literacy and workforce skills.

Priority One: Fully Fund Library Standards for Public Libraries in FY2027

Public libraries in Delaware operate under a unique funding structure.

About 85% of library funding comes from local sources, primarily county governments and community fundraising. The remaining 15% comes from the state through the Library Standards funding line in the state budget.

This funding supports the core operations that communities rely on every day, including collections, technology, staffing, and programming. However, Delaware’s public libraries face a growing funding gap. Rising costs, inflation, and expanded services have outpaced the current funding level.

Library leaders are asking the state to increase Library Standards funding to ensure that public libraries can continue to provide essential services statewide.

Fully funding the Library Standards formula at $8,634,264 will help every public library:

• Maintain staffing levels and library hours

• Expand access to books and digital resources

• Sustain literacy and workforce development programs

• Maintain equitable services for communities across Delaware

Without this investment, as many as ten libraries may be forced to reduce services or delay improvements.

Priority Two: Invest in Library Spaces and State Facilities through the Bond Bill

Libraries are also important physical spaces where communities gather to learn, collaborate, and grow. Across Delaware, libraries serve as homework and tutoring hubs for students, technology access points for job seekers, spaces for community-wide health and well-being, and cultural centers

Several construction and renovation projects across the state are ready to move forward. These projects rely on a partnership between state support and local fundraising to modernize library facilities and ensure they meet community needs. Likewise, the state library itself needs to be replaced, and the Bond Bill asks for FY2027 includes the first investment on the path to a new headquarters for our 125-year-old state library. 

Investing in these projects ensures that Delaware’s libraries remain welcoming, modern spaces for learning and civic life.

Priority Three: A School Librarian in Every School

The third priority in the 2026 legislative agenda focuses on strengthening school libraries and ensuring that students have access to professional library staff.

School libraries are essential to student success. They help students develop reading skills, research abilities, and critical thinking. They also help teachers integrate information literacy and digital skills into classroom learning.

Yet many Delaware schools lack certified school librarians.

The number of school librarians has declined over time, and many schools rely on teachers or volunteers to manage library spaces. At the same time, Delaware has taken important steps to expand access to books through the Delaware Library Consortium, which connects school libraries with public and academic libraries and provides access to millions of materials statewide. 

To fully realize the benefits of this system, schools need trained librarians who can guide students and teachers in using these resources effectively. That is why library advocates are proposing new legislation to establish statewide standards for school library programs.

New legislation this session would create a new chapter in Delaware education law focused on school libraries. Beginning in the 2030–2031 school year, every public school would be required to maintain a school library program designed to support literacy, strengthen curriculum, and provide students with opportunities for independent reading and learning.

With a goal for a school librarian in every school over 200 students and support for smaller schools from the state library, each public school would maintain a library program that provides equitable access to books, digital resources, and learning materials that support student success.

School libraries would also participate in the Delaware Library Consortium, expanding access to books, ebooks, databases, and research tools statewide.

The bill establishes staffing standards based on school enrollment:

• Schools with 200–800 students would employ at least one full-time certified school librarian.

• Schools with 800 or more students would employ two librarians or a librarian and a paraprofessional.

• Smaller schools would develop an appropriate service plan with guidance from the Delaware Division of Libraries.

  Delaware School Library Ratio L…

These standards ensure that students in schools of different sizes receive appropriate library support. School librarians would collaborate with teachers and school leaders to support literacy development, research skills, and information literacy. They would be available in every school to help students learn how to evaluate information, conduct research, and become confident, independent readers.

The proposal includes limited waiver provisions that allow districts time to recruit librarians when necessary, while maintaining the long-term goal of fully staffed school libraries. It also calls for statewide coordination within the Department of Education to support school library programs.

Supporting the 2026 Agenda and FY2027 Funding Asks

Delaware has already invested in expanding access to books and digital resources through the Delaware Library Consortium and federal funding that helped update school library collections. But the success of these efforts depends on having professional librarians who can help students use those resources effectively.

Libraries succeed when communities speak up.

The Delaware Library Association and the Friends of Delaware Libraries are asking advocates across the state to help support the Delaware Libraries Legislative Agenda. Please send a message to your legislators. You can help ensure that Delaware continues investing in literacy, learning, and strong communities.

Visit our action page at https://www.delawarelibrarychampions.org/fy27_legislative_agenda

Your voice can help ensure that every Delaware community and every Delaware student has access to the resources and opportunities that libraries provide.