Frontier Community College in Fairfield will receive $81,500 for its Adult Literacy program as part of nearly $29 million in library and literacy grants awarded across Illinois.
Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced a combined $28.9 million in grants supporting library services and literacy programs statewide.
Nearly $6.8 million will support 104 literacy programs serving adults and families. Locally, Frontier Community College Adult Literacy will receive $81,500, while C.E.F.S. in Effingham will receive $80,300 for adult literacy efforts.
The literacy programs are designed to improve basic reading, writing and math skills, along with English-language proficiency through adult, family and workplace programs.
Other portions of the statewide funding will support regional library systems, interlibrary loan programs, online catalogs and radio information services for people unable to read standard print materials.
The grants are funded through a combination of state and federal resources. Giannoulias said his administration has awarded more than $214 million in grants to Illinois libraries and literacy programs since taking office.