PRESS RELEASE: Councilman Coby Owens Recognizes National Literacy Month, Encourages Wilmington Residents to Read and Give Back
September 11, 2026
Councilman Coby Owens Recognizes National Literacy Month, Encourages Wilmington Residents to Read and Give Back
Owens calls on families and community members to promote early literacy, visit local libraries, donate books, and support readers of all ages.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Councilman Coby Owens, representing the 1st District, is recognizing September as National Literacy Month by encouraging Wilmington residents to pick up a good book, read with a child, visit a local library, and help make literacy a community priority.
National Literacy Month highlights the importance of reading and literacy in education, employment, economic opportunity, and lifelong learning. September also includes International Literacy Day on September 8 and Library Card Sign-Up Month, making it an ideal time for families to explore the free literacy resources available throughout Wilmington.
“Reading opens doors to places, ideas, and opportunities that can change a young person’s life,” said Councilman Owens. “This month, I am challenging families throughout Wilmington to put down the screens for a little while, pick up a book, and read together. Take your child to the library, let them choose a book that excites them, and help them discover just how powerful reading can be.”
Early literacy is particularly important because the reading and language skills children develop during their earliest years provide a foundation for future learning. Parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, educators, and older siblings can all help by reading aloud to children, establishing regular reading time at home, and making books easily accessible.
Wilmington families have several local resources available to help. The Wilmington Public Library, located at 10 E. 10th St., and the North Wilmington Branch, located at 3400 N. Market St., provide access to books, children’s and teen programming, technology, educational resources, and free Delaware library cards. Families with children from birth through age 5 can also explore Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides eligible children with free books delivered to their homes. Wilmington’s newest library location NoMa (North Market) Library, located at 3905 N. Market St., has a new community-centered “Think Do Hub” that expands the traditional library experience with literacy resources, technology, creative spaces, a maker suite, recording room, community programs, and more.
Literacy is also a lifelong issue. Millions of adults across the country struggle with foundational reading skills. Locally, Literacy Delaware, headquartered at the Wilmington Public Library, provides adult literacy services, including one-on-one tutoring and English-language instruction.
“Literacy is not just a school issue. It is a community issue,” said Councilman Owens. “Whether you are helping a child sound out their first words or helping an adult strengthen their reading skills, you are giving someone another tool to succeed. Every one of us can play a role.”
Wilmington City Council’s Office of Educational Advocacy Joins the Celebration
The Wilmington City Council Office of Educational Advocacy (OEA) will also commemorate National Literacy Month by partnering with The HomeLibrary Project, United Way of Delaware, Kuumba Academy, EastSide Charter School, and other Wilmington schools to create meaningful literacy experiences for children, families, educators, and community members throughout September.
“Literacy is about more than learning to read; it is about helping young people recognize their own stories, discover new possibilities, and feel supported by a community invested in their growth,” said Dr. Powell, Director of the Office of Educational Advocacy.
Ways Wilmington Residents Can Get Involved
Throughout September, Councilman Owens encourages residents, businesses, churches, schools, neighborhood associations, and community organizations to:
- Read with a child. Set aside time each day or week to read together and allow children to select books based on their interests.
- Visit a Wilmington library. Get a library card, attend a children’s program, explore new books, or introduce a young person to the library. Residents can visit the Wilmington Public Library, North Wilmington Branch, or Wilmington’s newest library, NoMa (North Market) Library.
- Host a book drive or swap. Collect new or gently used books for schools, shelters, community organizations, or neighborhood Little Free Libraries. The Little Free Library website has a convenient map and mobile app to find Little Free Libraries around you.
- Support adult literacy. Volunteer with organizations such as Literacy Delaware to help adults improve their reading or English-language skills.
- Become a reading mentor. Consider volunteering with local literacy organizations that connect adults with young readers.
- Start a reading challenge. Families, classrooms, churches, businesses, and neighborhood groups can challenge participants to track the books or minutes they read throughout September.
Councilman Owens is also encouraging Wilmington businesses and community organizations to consider sponsoring book giveaways, creating reading corners, supporting Little Free Libraries, or partnering with youth-serving organizations to increase access to books.
“National Literacy Month may be celebrated in September, but reading should be encouraged all year long,” said Councilman Owens. “My challenge to Wilmington is simple: Read a book. Read with a child. Share a book. Help someone learn. Every page matters, and every reader matters.”
For information about literacy resources and programs, residents can visit the Wilmington Public Library or contact the Children’s Department at 302-571-7400, ext. 2412.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com