October 27, 2002 Delaware Center for the Book Approved

The Library of Congress has approved a proposal from the Delaware Division of Libraries/State Library for the establishment of a Delaware Center for the Book that will be affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

"Delaware has a rich book and library tradition," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole. "We're delighted to have it join our national network of affiliated state centers."

"To develop activities meaningful to Delaware's citizenry and parallel to the activities of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Delaware Center for the Book will draw upon the talents and resources of the state's literary, literacy, business and cultural communities," said State Librarian Anne E. C. Norman.

In its first year, the Delaware Center for the Book will focus on coordinating and expanding existing programs throughout the state and becoming both an umbrella and a clearinghouse for Delaware's community of the book and its activities. It will become one of the sponsors of Delaware Reads, a statewide reading initiative, and support programs such as the annual Delaware Blue Hen Award for Children's Literature, the Summer Library Reading Program and the Delaware celebration of International Literacy Day.

For information about the Delaware Center for the Book, contact Patty Langley, Youth Services Consultant, Delaware Division of Libraries/State Library, 43 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901, telephone (302) 739-4748, ext. 113, fax (302) 739-6787, e-mail: plangley@lib.de.us.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Now in its 25th year, the Center for the Book has a network of affiliated centers in 49 states. For information about its programs, publications, and the activities of its affiliated centers for the book, visit its Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook.