Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has announced the awarding of $27 million to public libraries across the state. Giannoulias gave over $21 million to library services and $5.7 million in adult literacy grants to over 140 Illinois libraries. The money was given in support of libraries, education and lifelong learning.
Giannoulias stated, “As a State Librarian, it’s a privilege to provide these resources to support and enhance local library services and adult literacy programs across Illinois. Without properly funding programs, staff and educators, learning is difficult. These grants have the ability to position individuals for success and change lives by serving the unique needs of local communities”.
The grants were given to projects that fund educational programs encouraging students to actively learn, as well as giving library staff the chance to learn and train.
Funding for the grants came from state funds and the federal Library Services and Technology Act. The Adult Literacy Program also uses state funds and is administered by the Secretary of State’s Illinois State Library Literacy Office.
Grant recipients in our area include Frontier Community College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program in the amount of $74,800, Wabash Valley College’s Radio Information Service in Mt. Carmel, in the amount of $27.185, and Mt. Vernon’s Southtown Youth Program Center, in the amount of $50,000.