Local libraries to receive American Rescue Plan Act funds

Gov. John Carney recently announced $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding will be distributed to libraries throughout all three counties.

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Relief Fund, which was championed by Delaware’s congressional delegation, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and Sen. Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden March 11, 2021.

Capital relief projects under ARPA must meet strict criteria to be eligible for funding. They may include projects that specifically enable work, education and health monitoring, and respond to issues created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved Delaware’s plans to invest in libraries statewide. Additional capital awards funded by ARPA will be announced soon.

“Children and families will benefit from these investments for generations to come,” said Carney. “Delaware’s libraries serve our communities with resources, collaboration and creativity. Many of these investments are in our communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the central role libraries serve in our communities as hubs for job training, employment searches, education, COVID-19 test kit distributions and vaccination sites. I want to thank the congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”

“Our libraries are so much more than a place to check out books. They really are gateways for learning and discovery, and allow our communities to come together and access so many vital services,” said Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. “I am so proud of the incredible contributions our libraries continue to make to our communities. Delaware libraries are setting the example for others to follow in the fight against COVID-19, and serving to make our state stronger and healthier.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are really helping someone find a job, providing a safe place for the community to gather and learn, and giving people access to resources they wouldn’t normally have,” said Carper. 

“Investing in our libraries begins the next chapter for greater public education, social uplift and a principled commitment to helping Delawareans fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Coons.

“Whether it’s giving Delawareans access to countless literary titles, serving as a meeting place for local organizations, or serving as an area of inspiration for the arts and the humanities, libraries are vital to the well-being of our communities,” said Blunt Rochester. 

The $40 million of investments announced will improve nine libraries across the state. This funding will be used for new construction and improvements to existing structures downstate including: $3 million to Rehoboth Beach Public Library for upgrades; $750,000 to Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion; $250,000 to Georgetown Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration and ventilation; $900,000 to Milford Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration and ventilation; $7 million to Selbyville Public Library for a new building; and $5.6 million to Harrington Public Library for a new building.

“Gov. Carney’s strategic investment in libraries supports equity for communities throughout the state,” said Dr. Annie Norman, state librarian. “Delaware Libraries are shovel-ready to strengthen the social services infrastructure for digital equity, workforce development and more statewide.”

The Governor’s Recommended Bond Bill for FY 2023 announced in late January includes an additional $26.8 million in state funding to match the federal funding for the five new libraries.