Giannoulias Announces Libraries Receiving Grants
More Than $405,000 in Grant Funding Will Improve Local Library Services
Library districts are receiving grant funding to help ensure all residents have access to quality resources and programming, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced.
Libraries throughout the 38th Senate District, serving over 256,000 people, are receiving a combined $405,380 in grants.
“Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.”
“I am thrilled that our libraries will be receiving additional funding to support their efforts to provide essential services to our communities,” said State Senator Sue Rezin (38th District—Morris). “Local libraries offer invaluable resources, including access to technology, internet services, and reliable information. This funding will truly make a difference in the lives of our community members.”
“Our local libraries are incredible community allies that deserve our ongoing support and resources,” said State Representative Lance Yednock (76th District—Ottawa). “This grant funding will empower our residents with access to cutting-edge technology, captivating books, and invaluable information.”
The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, included annual per capita and equalization aid grant funding and one-time newly created technology grants to help libraries most in need to upgrade their technology infrastructure.
- Charles B. Philips Public Library District (Newark)— $4,411
- Clinton Township Public Library (Waterman) — $2,714
- Dekalb Public Library District — $59,830
- Ladd Public Library District — $2,215
- LaSalle Public Library — $26,729
- Marseilles Public Library — $7,194
- Morris Area Public Library District — $28,087
- Oglesby Public Library District — $6,262
- Oswego Public Library District— $104,704
- Plano Public Library District — $20,926
- Peru Public Library — $14,707
- Reddick Public Library (Ottawa) — $35,577
- Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library (Spring Valley)— $8,289
- Sandwich Public Library District — $11,455
- Selby Township Library District (DePue)— $15,706
- Robert W. Rowe Public Library District (Sheridan) — $7,211
- Somonauk Public Library District — $13,743
- Utica Public Library District — $3,644
- Yorkville Public Library District — $31,976
Public Library Per Capita Grants are awarded annually to support local public library services. This year, public libraries received just under $1.50 per person in their service area. Public libraries can use this funding for operational needs, including purchasing materials for their library collections and capital improvements to their facilities.
Equalization Aid funding is awarded under a statutory formula to provide a minimum level of funding when local funding through taxes is too low to meet the service population’s base needs.
Under the new technology grant initiative, eligible public libraries were determined by review of their local tax base in comparison to the population that is served and also the poverty level of the community.
Libraries have two years to expend the technology grants to help fund things such as adding hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, increasing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, incorporating patron self-checkouts, and assuring ADA compliance for library websites and purchasing adaptive technologies that accommodate service needs for persons with disabilities.