Delaware County Libraries are launching a new mobile app April 3 at the start of National Library Week, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

It is part of a five-year strategic plan to keep libraries relevant through 2026.

“The library will now be at your fingertips. And we’re hoping that we reach some of the members of our community that only use their mobile devices to access the internet,” said Catherine Bittle, director of Delaware County Libraries, the agency that oversees the 26 independent libraries in the county.

Also in the strategic plan:

• Libraries must be collaborative and sustainable by engaging with the community and being community-centered.
• Libraries must be diverse and inclusive by reducing service barriers. creating diverse collections and recruiting a diverse staff.
• Libraries must be innovative and creative, leaders in lifelong learning, and be open and accessible “maintaining a level of safety, resourcefulness, and responsiveness”.

“The overall message of our plan is that our libraries in Delaware County are vital, and they’re valued,” Bittle said.

Delco Libraries adopted the plan in February. Efforts included a community-wide survey and interviews.

There are more than 200,000 library cardholders in Delaware County.

Read more at WHYY about how Delaware County libraries are adapting to meet current and future needs.