Our Commitment to Improving Literacy in Delaware

September is Literacy Month

There is nothing more important than ensuring all Delawareans can read at grade level by third grade. Governor Carney and Lt. Governor Hall-Long have proclaimed the month of September Literacy Month and will be celebrating programs that promote reading throughout the month.

Governor Carney Announces New Wilmington Library

Governor Carney today announced that the State of Delaware has entered into a sales agreement for a new Wilmington Library. The site, located at 3905 North Market Street, is the current site of the vintage Saab dealership.

Governor Carney Signs Literacy Bills on First Day of School

Governor Carney signed three important bills relating to literacy on the first day of school at North Star Elementary. Senate Bill 195 relates to media literacy and ensuring children understand appropriate, responsible, and healthy online behavior. House Bill 304 will require students to participate in a universal reading screening to ensure the specific supports they may need. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 4 will require the Delaware Department of Education to maintain and publish a list of evidence-based, reading instruction curricula for grades kindergarten through three. 

Free Books For Kids Under 5

Dolly Parton came to Delaware earlier this year to celebrate the importance of literacy in the state. In Delaware’s Imagination Library program, children ages zero to five receive a FREE book in the mail each month. The purpose is to instill the habit of reading, and create the library habit, too.

This program is brought to you by Delaware Libraries, a program of First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney’s First Chance initiative.