DE HB153

Establishes the Ada Leigh Soles Memorial Professional Librarian and Archivist Incentive Program to encourage academically talented Delawareans to pursue careers as librarians and archivists in Delaware public libraries, school libraries, state agencies, and political subdivisions

Expands eligibility to provide awards for bachelor's degrees (prior to master's) and doctoral degrees (following master's), in addition to existing master's degree programs in library and information studies accredited by the American Library Association

Requires applicants for bachelor's and doctoral degree awards to have at least 2 years of prior employment at a Delaware public library, county library department, public school library, or state agency library or archive

Implements loan forgiveness at a rate of 1 year of employment for 1 year of loan for bachelor's degree students, and 2 years of employment for 1 year of loan for master's and doctoral degree students

Names the program in honor of Ada Leigh Soles, a former representative (1980-1992) and longtime Delaware library advocate