Delaware's public libraries are the cornerstones of our communities. They are not just buildings with books; they are dynamic places where knowledge meets opportunity, where community meets technology, and where all Delawareans have equal access to services that enrich and empower their lives. But now, our libraries face a pivotal challenge that requires your voice.

The Delaware Council on Libraries has made a case before the Joint Finance Committee to increase the Library Standards budget by $2,255,000 for the fiscal year 2025. This boost will raise the Library Standards budget line to a much-needed $8.5 million. Despite substantial capital improvements in our public library infrastructure over the past decade, state funding for library operations has not kept pace. This discrepancy threatens to undermine the value of our investments and limits the potential services that our libraries can offer.

The proposed increase is more than a number; it's about sustaining a thriving library system across all three counties. It is about literacy, learning, and personal growth for all our neighbors. Please send an email today to your state legislators and advocate for this crucial increase in funding. With your help, we can ensure that Delaware libraries continue to be places of endless possibilities for every Delawarean.