Library Advocates, Legislators to Meet April 21 to Discuss the Future of Delaware's Libraries
April 14, 2005
Dover - Library officials, advocates, patrons, and other lovers of libraries will have an opportunity to meet with Delaware legislators at the 14th annual Library Legislative Action Day on Thursday, April 21. The event is presented by the Delaware Library Association and the state's Division of Libraries.
A full day of activities is planned, including a continental breakfast and information session at the Delaware Division of Libraries in Dover, lunch with legislators, an address by Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor, and the reading of a Governor's Proclamation, followed by dessert and informal discussions with legislators at Legislative Hall.
Since the first event in 1992, library supporters have influenced legislation and funding to benefit libraries throughout Delaware. During that time, state funding for libraries has increased by more than 150 percent, and more than $20 million of state funds have gone into library construction projects. Statewide library automation and lending has been achieved, and progress is being made toward creating a statewide catalog of library holdings.
Last year, Delaware residents performed more than 400,000 searches using databases in DelAWARE : The Digital Library of the First State. Delaware students are benefiting from the use of databases brought to them through UDLib/SEARCH.
Library Legislative Action Day gives librarians and library advocates an opportunity to thank Delaware legislators for their support of libraries as well as to influence future legislation and funding.
The event is open to the public for a fee of $5. To register, visit http://www.dla.lib.de.us/calendar.shtml or call (302) 376-4191.
