Delaware Reading Initiative Has Earned National Honor
The Library of Congress recognized a statewide literacy program for its efforts to combat summer learning loss.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Primary Education
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The Get Delaware Reading initiative has been named a 2026 Literacy Awards Success Practices Honoree by the Library of Congress. The program earned this recognition for its work in building whole-community literacy ecosystems across the state.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the critical issue of summer learning loss among primary students by embedding literacy assistance into local summer camps. This collaborative approach aims to keep students engaged with reading outside of the traditional school year.
The program coordinates 16 school districts and 22 charter schools alongside over 20 partner organizations. Participating students engage in 30 minutes of reading sessions, three days per week.
The players
Library of Congress
This federal institution serves as the research library of the United States Congress and administers the annual Literacy Awards.
Get Delaware Reading
This is a statewide educational initiative focused on improving literacy outcomes through community-wide collaboration.
The details
Get Delaware Reading operates across approximately 60 locations, including sites such as the Claymont Community Center in North Wilmington and the First State Community Action center in Seaford. The program tracks student performance improvements over a two-year duration using a system of pre-tests and post-tests.
Timeline
The initiative was named a 2026 Literacy Awards Success Practices Honoree in 2026.
Culture Shift
The recognition follows a broader trend of shifting literacy interventions from traditional classroom settings to inclusive community ecosystems. This development reflects a societal move toward addressing summer learning loss through integrated, multi-organization partnerships.
Families can benefit from structured literacy support during the summer months at any of the 60 participating locations across the state. This helps students maintain their reading progress, potentially reducing the need for intensive remedial help when the school year begins.
The takeaway
Effective community-based literacy programs rely on broad collaboration between districts and local organizations to sustain student development. Parents should look for programs that utilize measurable testing to ensure that summer reading activities are producing tangible academic results.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational initiatives in Delaware Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Delaware Public Media.
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