With Governor Matt Meyer recently announcing that Delaware has a literacy crisis, there’s never been a better time to focus state resources on bringing students up to grade-level reading. Even as the Trump administration slashes library funding and the literacy resources they offer, literacy advocates like you inspire us to keep going. We hope you’ll share this newsletter with others who believe in literacy for all.
2026 State Budget Helps Fund Student Literacy
Governor Matt Meyer is making good on his statement last month that Delaware must address the literacy crisis. In his FY 2026 budget, the governor has allocated state funding for school initiatives to improve literacy, including:
$3 million for direct-to-classroom assistance for teachers
Emergency funding to help lift student literacy rates
Increased pay for educators
Meyer will also seek an additional $3 million in private donations to support educators committed to improving student literacy rates.
Cuts to Library Funds Will Have a Major Impact on Literacy
On March 14, 2025, the president signed an executive order that will significantly reduce staff and funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency that funds libraries nationwide.
Why it matters:
Already, states like Delaware are grappling with the largest decline in reading scores in over 30 years.
This cut will make it much harder for libraries to offer vital literacy resources to those who need it most.
Delaware Literacy Alliance will continue to partner with the Delaware Division of Libraries, rising to the challenge together.
Vision Coalition Turns an Eye Toward Pre-K Literacy Skills
Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten recently announced the Delaware Vision Coalition’s next 10-year plan for public education, with a focus on improving test scores and literacy rates. The Vision Coalition, a public-private partnership between educators, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, aims to improve Delaware’s public education system. Priorities in the 2035 Student Equity and Excellence Plan includes universal Pre-K, which Marten says can increase literacy skills before children even enter the classroom.
Partner News: Delaware Leaders Making a Difference
Across Delaware, local leaders and partners are stepping up in powerful ways to advance literacy at every level. From national recognition to daily data-driven advocacy, here are two recent stories worth celebrating.
Delaware Librarians Win National Recognition
Two Delaware librarians, Peggy Griffith of Ferris School and Jamar Rahming of Wilmington Institute Free Library, have been honored with the 2025 “I Love My Librarian” Award by the American Library Association. Delaware was the only state with multiple honorees among this year’s 10 national recipients.
At Ferris School, Griffith has transformed the facility’s library into a welcoming, educational space for youth in rehabilitation, helping them reenter the community with renewed confidence.
Under Rahming’s leadership, the Wilmington Library has become a cultural hub, hosting events with renowned figures like Dolly Parton and LeVar Burton, and expanding access to books in local barbershops and neighborhoods.
📖 These incredible librarians exemplify the power of community-based literacy work.
New Data Tool from KIDS COUNT in Delaware Highlights Policy Gaps
KIDS COUNT in Delaware released its 2025 Page-a-Day Legislative Calendar, a daily guide to key data and policy solutions across child well-being indicators. With a special focus on health, education, and economic security, the calendar is designed to keep policymakers and advocates informed all year long.
📅 Stay tuned for their virtual report release on May 14 and their 30th anniversary celebration on May 8.
Research findings from Common Sense Media indicates that one in three children under the age of eight already uses AI for learning. Ensuring that students, teachers, and parents know how to use AI safely was the focus of National AI Literacy Day on March 28th. This nationwide day of action included parent and student engagement events across the US designed to foster a better understanding of AI as a learning tool, along with professional development opportunities for educators to build or enhance their AI literacy.
For Superbowl champion and former New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, life is no longer about scoring the winning touchdown. Today, he sees student literacy as the goal – and the key to their success. Mitchell recently visited Martin Luther King Elementary School in Louisville, KY to share about his own journey from a less-than-avid reader to literacy advocate. He also took time to read his own book, The Magician’s Hat, to the students.
Explore our events calendar at DelawareLiteracyAlliance.org. Submit your own literacy event and join the spotlight of Delaware's vibrant literacy community.
Festival of Words 2025
April 4, 2025 | 8 am
Students, teachers, parents, and librarians are invited to attend the 2025 Festival of Words. This free event features a diverse group of authors who hope to encourage a love of reading and writing in youth.
