9 Delaware libraries to share $40 million in Rescue Plan money

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

 

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The Selbyville Public Library will be able to construct a new building, thanks to American Rescue Plan money.

Thanks to American Rescue Plan Act bucks, the Selbyville Public Library will be able to build a new library and move out of the stately home in which it’s now housed.

Selbyville is one of nine Delaware libraries up and down the state that will share $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to a press release from Gov. John Carney’s office.

All of it will be used for new construction and improvements to existing structures.

The projects include:

  • $7 million to the Selbyville Library for a new building
  • $5.6 million to the Harrington Library for a new building
  • $750,000 to the Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion
  • $900,000 to the Milford Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $250,000 to the Georgetown Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
  • $7.8 million to the Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library to build an expanded library
  • $11 million to the North Wilmington Library for a new building
  • $4 million to the Newark Public Library for a new building
  • $3 million to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library for upgrades

“Governor Carney’s strategic investment in libraries supports equity for communities throughout the state,” said Dr. Annie Norman, state librarian. “Delaware Libraries are shovel-ready to strengthen the social services infrastructure for digital equity, workforce development, and more statewide.”

Carney’s recommended Bond Bill for fiscal year 2023, which begins July 1, includes an additional $26.8 million in state funding to match the federal funding for the five new libraries.

The American Rescue Plan Act Capital Relief Fund, was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11.

Capital Relief projects paid for under the Rescue Plan can only be used for projects that enable work, education and health monitoring. They also must respond to issues created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delaware received $925 million in Rescue Plan money.  The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved Delaware’s plans to invest in libraries statewide, the press release said.

“Delaware’s libraries serve our communities with resources, collaboration and creativity,” Carney said. “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.”

Additional capital awards funded by ARPA will be announced soon, the press release said. To see what’s already been funded, go here.

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