In the month of March (March 28th, 2024), we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel as DLA, Friends of Delaware Libraries, and DASL to Delaware’s Legislative Hall and having students and a faculty member be part of the lobbying process. This particular day was about the value of funding public libraries and with student’s from Woodbridge High school the connection and value of school libraries.

In the month of May, with the help of Susan Elizabeth Cordle, Administrative Librarian at the Delaware Division of Libraries and our school/library liaison in DLA, we wanted legislators to be invited to see what we see and hear from our school library. We learned stories so far from each and every visit. Here is one of the first:

In receiving a visit from Representative Timothy Dukes, we provided information to Representative Dukes, as well as an in- depth tour of our high school of what is possible. Seeing our farm and FFA program first hand, seeing the halls and classes, and seeing our high school library as a hub for all students for many reasons, we received a valuable story. We wanted to give Representative Dukes a laminated copy of Delaware before Route 1, that had been shared and passed down to us from the St. Georges Technical School Librarian, Kim Read.

As a result, when looking at the area Representatives Dukes was familiar with in Laurel. we received a story. We thought it couldn’t have been received any where better than in our library. While here, we asked Representative Dukes to also provide students that were randomly chosen by name who had been. checking out books from our library to receive a prize from our school library, but through him. it was exciting for students who might not have ever had a chance meet a legislator and to honor their commitment to read. We also want to protect every student’s Right to Read.

Representative Dukes relayed to us a specific farm founded in Sussex County, that was for injured veterans that allowed them to hunt. At the time, costs of hunting were pretty out of reach for returning veterans, and by having a farm area that could be a reduced fee for veterans, a graciousness and thank you to veterans was enabled for injured and disabled veterans, providing the ability for them to participate in an activity that they previously thought they would not be able to do anymore.

Telling us stories of how in one particular case a veteran was lifted into a tree stand with a tractor bucket, to the funny image of legislators/ public officials being followed by security teams across bumpy fields as they made their way to huntings spots, an individuality of legislation appeared. As Representative Dukes mentioned himself, there are many things that are not and should not be politicized and made to be partisan issues. It was fulfilling and rewarding for Representative Dukes to accept our invitation to visit Woodbridge High School’s Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center.

Our message is and always has been, there is a place for school librarians and libraries to show how connections throughout the school can be centered and represented through school youth as leaders. Representative Dukes made it clear that stories are worth telling and are representative of protecting the rights and values of towns and locations within Delaware. We are grateful for a chance to share these ideals and opportunities with each other. Stay tuned for more insights into the visits we have this month with legislators and tying the value of school librarians, libraries, and the stories that tie us together in our state of Delaware.