Bear to receive sorority's first 'Legacy Library'.

Sigma Zeta Omega will open its first Legacy Library at Innovative Kids Early Learning Academy in Bear with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Feb. 2, and the Delaware Community Foundation is preparing to mark its 40th year in 2026.

Sigma Zeta Omega, a Newark-area chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, is partnering with Innovative Kids Early Learning Academy to open its first Legacy Library in Bear. The library is intended to provide books for and about people of color alongside other age-appropriate literature for young learners. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 2 at the academy, and the ceremony will include a reading by firefighter and children's author Donye L. Price. Statewide, the Delaware Community Foundation is marking 40 years of grantmaking and scholarship work in 2026, and other local education items include new leadership at the Delaware State Education Association and a University of Delaware intern supporting Sussex Tech's graphic design program. Key details: - The "Sigma Zeta Omega Legacy Library" is a partnership between Sigma Zeta Omega and Innovative Kids Early Learning Academy in Bear. - The ribbon-cutting will take place at 10 a.m. Feb. 2 at 614 Pulaski Highway and will include a reading by Donye L. Price. - The library will supply books that celebrate diversity as well as other age-appropriate titles for young learners. - The Delaware Community Foundation marks 40 years in 2026, manages about $400 million in funds, and has granted more than $530 million to roughly 4,000 organizations while providing over $6 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 students, per a Jan. 22 press release. - The Delaware State Education Association elected Tameka Mays as president and Steve Fackenthall as vice president, and University of Delaware senior Amy Deo completed a graphic design internship at Sussex Technical High School. Summary: The Legacy Library opening aims to expand early childhood access to diverse books in Bear, while the Delaware Community Foundation's anniversary highlights long-term local investment in nonprofits and students. The next public events include the library ribbon-cutting on Feb. 2 and the foundation's planned celebrations and projects in March.