Giannoulias provides grants to 20 central Illinois libraries for technology improvements

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Secretary of State's office is providing $2 million in grants to improve library technology. Nearly 20 libraries throughout central Illinois will benefit from the new funding.

People of all ages go to libraries to learn, use the internet and enjoy digital media like e-books and movies. However, some libraries have more resources than others when it comes to modern technology.

"As the world changes and technology evolves, libraries must transform as well so they can deliver programming and services that meet the needs of their customers and communities," Alexi Giannoulias said Thursday.

The Democrat said libraries can use the grant funding to add software, expand online resources or purchase digital apps. Many libraries are looking forward to improving their Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility.

Although, other facilities could use funding to assure ADA compliance for library websites or establish self-checkouts for books. Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia said this money is critical.

"Digital equity is a matter of justice and libraries help provide that access to technology," Garcia said. "Our children, millennials and Gen Z's, are digital natives. But other people are not, and some of us need more help acclimating to the world that we live in."

Libraries were eligible for grants if their community has a low tax base and high poverty rate.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced Thursday that 113 Illinois libraries will receive grants to improve technology.

The Charleston, Danville, Decatur, Lincoln, Rantoul and Vandalia public libraries received $27,500. Libraries in Benld, Carlinville, Chrisman, Cowden, Farmer City, Georgetown, Gillespie, Melvin, Mt. Olive, Pana, Paris, Ramsey and Watseka will receive $12,500.

"$27,000 might not sound like a lot, but hearing from these libraries and the calls we've been making, it's transformational for a lot of these libraries, especially in small towns, in rural areas and poor communities," Giannoulias said.

Libraries will have two years to use their grant funding. Award winners must file their plans for the money by June 14 and projects can start as early as June 28.

The 113 libraries receiving funding from the Secretary of State's office serve over 1.2 million Illinoisans.

"Technology provides critical learning opportunities, employment resources and digital literacy programming," Giannoulias said. "But, depending on your physical address, your local library might look like a high end Apple store or sadly it might look the exact same as it did in the 1960s."