Increased State Aid Approved for
Delaware Public Libraries
The Delaware Division of Libraries announced an increased state-aid package for public libraries July 2, appropriating roughly $2 million, or $2.80 per capita, for FY 2000. The amount represents a 14% increase over FY 1999 and a doubling of state aid for libraries since 1994. The new state operating budget also increases funding for statewide digital library resources for libraries and schools by almost 20% to $741,000.
In addition, the Delaware Librarian and Archivist Scholarship/Loan program was awarded $50,000 for the new fiscal year, and State Librarian Tom Sloan told American Libraries that an additional $1 million for book purchases is also in the offing.
“We are very happy today,” Sloan said. “It is hard work to make sure libraries are recognized as funding and legislative priorities.”
A new law extending state-aid grants to public libraries that provide countywide, multicounty, and/or statewide library and information services was also signed into law June 30 by Gov. Thomas R. Carper.
Posted July 5, 1999.
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