Carney announces $40 million in ARPA funds to sustain libraries
Libraries throughout Delaware will benefit from $40 million in funding, Gov. John Carney said.
The governor announced the funding, which will come from American Rescue Plan Act dollars, will benefit nine libraries throughout the state.
“Children and families will benefit from these investments for generations to come,” Carney said in the release. “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.”
The funding, according to the release, will be used for new construction and improvements to existing facilities.
Wilmington Library will receive $11 million, Selbyville Library will get $7 million, and Harrington Library will receive $5.6 million for new building projects. Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library will receive $7.8 million to build an expanded library, according to the release.
The Newark Public Library will get $4 million for a new building, and Rehoboth Beach Public Library will receive $3 million to perform upgrades, according to the release. Milford Public Library will receive $900,000 for upgrades to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation, and Lewes Public Library will receive $750,000 for the construction of a new outdoor pavilion. The Georgetown Public Library will receive $250,000 for HVAC, filtration, and ventilation upgrades.
“Governor Carney’s strategic investment in libraries supports equity for communities throughout the state,” Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian, said in the release. “Delaware Libraries are shovel-ready to strengthen the social services infrastructure for digital equity, workforce development, and more statewide.”
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