Delaware Division of Libraries
121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. N
Dover, DE 19901
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,166,087.00 |
| 2021 | $1,207,081.00 |
| 2022 | $1,204,611.00 |
| 2023 | $1,388,921.00 |
| 2024 | $1,389,442.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| delaware5yearplan.pdf | 969.17 KB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| delaware5yearevaluation.pdf | 5.09 MB |
“Delawareans are reaping the benefits of a statewide library infrastructure! Seamless services across libraries and partners ensures equity of access for literacy, lifelong learning, and wellbeing for all.”
-- Annie Norman, State Librarian and Director, Delaware Division of Libraries
Project Examples
Delaware Communities of Excellence
Headed by the Delaware Division of Libraries, Delaware Communities of Excellence (DECOE) provided resources and services to improve literacy in Delaware where 20 percent of the adult population show low literacy skills, and 49 percent of third graders lack reading proficiency. Programs supporting this work included Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, eBooks for Delaware students, and, in partnership with Literacy Delaware, Northstar Digital Literacy assessment and training for adults. The state library also worked with the University of Delaware’s Kids Count unit and other consultants to develop a literacy dashboard to help understand the literacy landscape in Delaware.
IMLS Funds: $174,950.04
Delaware Library Consortium
The Delaware Library Consortium offered seamless statewide access to physical and electronic collections and other resources for all Delawareans. They utilized a single integrated library system (ILS), a single discovery platform for digitized materials, a centralized online library card application, a Delaware Library Consortium mobile app, and a shared statewide calendar. A single statewide ILS allowed all public and multi-type libraries in Delaware to streamline their processes, use collaborative collection development, and easily access books, e-resources, databases, emerging technologies, and other resources statewide. Project funds also supported a statewide courier service for interlibrary loan materials.
IMLS Funds: $559,219.60
Delaware Libraries Social Infrastructure and Social Innovation
The Delaware Libraries Social Infrastructure and Social Innovation (SI) initiative was a statewide effort launched and run by the Delaware Division of Libraries. The goal of SI was to triage, clarify, and strengthen partnerships in Delaware’s social infrastructure. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter, SI supported libraries in force, with both interns and partners available for essential needs appointment services. Laptops and hotspots were added to library circulation, and virtual programming was developed with partners such as the Delaware Money School, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, legal partners, and more. During the project period Delaware Libraries Telehealth Kiosks were launched in three libraries in Sussex County, with plans to expand statewide, making Delaware the first to provide library-led statewide telehealth services.
IMLS Funds: $175,200.64
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Build Strong Libraries - Delaware residents will be served by local libraries that are technologically advanced and employ knowledgeable, community-focused staff members who incorporate the best professional practices and up-to-date technologies to deliver relevant, consistently high-quality library services.
- Projects include:
- Technology infrastructure maintenance and improvement, including the Delaware Library Catalog
- Professional development for library staff
- Governance and funding assessment
- Comprehensive library staffing assessment
- Organizational effectiveness studies and planning
Goal 2: Ensure Equitable Access - Delaware residents will have convenient access to relevant, high-quality information resources in formats that they can use to achieve their educational, occupational, and personal/recreational goals.
- Projects include:
- Delaware Library Consortium, including statewide access to physical and electronic collections
- Delaware Library Access Services for individuals with print disabilities
Goal 3: Build Thriving Communities – Delaware residents will have the opportunity to access highly coordinated public services that enable them to achieve their educational, occupational, and personal goals and to participate in and contribute to the vitality of their communities.
- Projects include:
- Delaware libraries social infrastructure and social innovation
- Summer Library Reading Program
- Other lifelong learning initiatives
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.