In Harrington, where the public library is based in a former funeral home and serves as a community hub, the news that $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding will be distributed to state libraries was met with tears of joy by its director Marleena Scott. Meanwhile, down in Selbyville, word that its library will receive $7 million accelerated hope that a $13 million state-of-the-art facility might be operational ahead of the previously advertised spring 2025.
- Not everyone has or had internet. Even around here. My grandsons live outside of Felton. They can’t get internet there. They had to complete packets of classwork sent home and mail it back to the teacher all the time. — Holly Overmyer
- I know a lot of people who get all their reading materials from a library. They are there quite frequently. Also, their meeting rooms are used by a great many organizations, especially small nonprofits who may not have their own brick-and-mortar. And strange as it may seem, not all people have computers or smartphones. Librarians will assist these people in looking for employment, filing taxes. — Kathy Spring Jordan
- I wonder about the cost-benefit ratio, though. We already have the division of unemployment and plenty of other government services to help folks in need. Computers/smartphones aren’t going away. You can find 10 videos of anything you are looking for on them. This pandemic has shown us that we can easily conduct virtual meetings of any size and eliminate the need to travel. With the price at the pump what it is and rising, I’m all for virtual meetings. All the best to you! — Chris Wolfe
- I guess you would need to ask all the people who are using libraries what they would do without them. I have an elderly friend whose main cause of enjoyment is going to the library. If she didn’t get out for that, she would probably not leave her apartment. That would certainly be detrimental to her health! I know the few times I go to our local library, it’s very crowded. And the patrons are of all ages. Those of us who don’t use the facilities shouldn’t base their need on our own lack of use. — Kathy Spring Jordan
- Yes. At least, the library in my community (Dover) is always busy. I read 200 books a year. I could ill afford to buy that many books. I hate Kindle. I am in my library two to three times a week. If you do not use the library, that is your choice but do not complain about their funding just because you do not use them. I would be lost without the Dover Public Library. — Ronnie Ponde
- You don’t have to go to the library to use the library, get a card online, download free e-books, e-magazines, databases for research, genealogy research, programs for business, telehealth services and much more. Libraries are not just books; they are community centers providing a place that all are welcome. A physical library building offers much more for entertainment, help and even social workers that can assist those needing help just understanding Social Security, getting assistance in general. They offer free Wi-Fi in the building and in the parking lots, so if you need it, you can access it for free. They also use items like 3-D printers to make shields for workers in the pandemic. You can check out a Chromebook or a blood pressure cuff, games, crafts and more. Plus, when looking for information, online is not always factual; it is a lot of opinion. If you want factual information, libraries will be your source. So your taxes are put to good use for all Delawareans. Maybe sometime, take a look around a library, online or in person. ... You might find something to check out. ... Why not use it? — Christine Karpovage
