Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has announced $28.3 million in funding for library services and literacy programs across Illinois.
Locally, under the 2026 Adult Literacy Grants, Frontier Community College will receive $81,120, the Southtown Youth Programs Center in Mt. Vernon will receive $52,000, and the C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation in Effingham will receive $101,713. In addition, Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel will receive $35,341 for its Radio Information Service.
The grant program supports regional library systems with funding to enhance online catalogs, expand interlibrary loan programs, and sustain day-to-day operations. Literacy grants are aimed at improving basic reading, math, writing, and English language skills, while radio services provide narrated newspaper content for visually impaired residents.
“Providing our libraries – the cornerstones of our communities – with the support necessary to expand their services and programs is vital to ensuring that all Illinoisans are empowered to learn, grow and explore, regardless of where they live, their physical abilities, financial situation or educational background,” Giannoulias said. “At the same time, raising literacy rates across the state opens doors for personal development and contributes to the strength and advancement of our communities.”
Since taking office, Giannoulias has overseen the distribution of more than $155 million in library and literacy grant funding statewide.
The latest round of funding includes:
$18 million to library systems for daily operations and statewide resource sharing, which allowed more than 11 million items to be borrowed across libraries last year.
$6.7 million to over 70 organizations supporting adult, family, and workplace literacy programs.
$2.6 million to expand online catalogs and interlibrary resource sharing.
$450,000 to support radio information services for visually impaired and print-disabled residents.
Nearly $50,000 for veterans’ home libraries, providing books, magazines, computers, and internet access to veterans and their spouses.
The Secretary of State’s office funds these programs through a combination of state dollars and federal Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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