Delaware libraries facing budget cuts

Walking through the doors of the Frankford Public Library, one can tell that libraries have modernized. Shelves of books give way to computers, and while it's a calm setting, many libraries now welcome giggles of small children and a more social atmosphere. Sitting in the playfully adorned children's section with Rachel Wackett, library director for Frankford, and Kelly Kline, library director for Selbyville Public Library, it's surprising to learn about the juxtaposition they currently face. The directors provide such a sense of warmth, and yet, a heady undercurrent of anxiety about severe budget cuts, set to take effect Saturday, July 1, looms large.

The state budget, which has been approved by the Joint Finance Committee, is set to make its way through the state's House and Senate and ultimately to Gov. John Carney's desk for implementation. If signed, it would slash the budget of independent libraries by approximately 10 percent. While all 33 libraries in the state will be affected, for the nine independent libraries in Sussex County, this amounts to tens of thousands of dollars per library in cuts, funds that are generally allocated for salaries and staffing needs.

While the structure of the library may remain the same, the deep cuts could mean less staff, and less access to the libraries that depend on these budgets. In plain terms, they would have to close their doors and offer fewer library hours overall.

The impact to residents would be felt throughout the region. Wackett says they have seen a pivot toward providing community service, and these services are essential. "In our communities, we are the only primary source of access to technology, so people come here to go online. Students come here to do homework and print materials," she said.

"People are printing tax forms and resumes. We have so many people who fill out job applications online," said Kline.

"We just had two people get full-time jobs last week." Wackett said. "That was awesome news."

In modern times, the library is so much more than a place where people come to discover books. As both women talk about their programs, for example the summer lunch program at Selbyville, which served 389 lunches to hungry children last year, it's clear that libraries are a safe place for families, and a wealth of information and services that many may not know they provide. From adult literacy to robotics technology for students to providing referrals to food banks and homeless shelters, these libraries on are on the front lines in Sussex County.

Often, social services agencies send people to the library to fill out packets or search for jobs. The staff teaches many skills in this regard, where the hub of community trust hinges on the library system. With or without changes in budget, these community needs will continue to rise because communities are growing and the infrastructural needs change and grow with them.

While this new generation of library directors adapts, they need greater support from the communities they serve. Both Kline and Wackett say while local politicians are supportive, they need people like Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, Rep. Richard Collins, R-Millsboro, and Rep. Ronald Gray, R-Selbyville, to come in and see firsthand the services libraries are providing, so they can appreciate the nature of this work. But they also want the community to function in a more circular way. They earnestly desire more partnership with schools and community members alike. What’s the No. 1 thing people can do to support their local library? Kline says, "Come through the doors."

Coming in, visitors will learn that the library is a place for everyone from children to retirees. They serve the poor and the well-off. They provide haven, solace and sometimes even company. The library and their staff stand ready to serve the community in whatever capacity they can, and right now, they need their communities to stand with them as they face uncertainty.

Anyone can visit local libraries and ask how to help. Or share a story online to let everyone know how the library has impacted individual lives. For more information or to share a library story, go to www.selbyvillelibrary.org or www.frankford.lib.de.us.