(WAND) — 10 public libraries and school districts across central Illinois are set to receive over $475,000 for library services, enhanced programming, and construction and security upgrades.
The funds are part of over $27 million that was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries across the state through the Secretary of State's Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants.
"Libraries provide free access to educational, historical and literacy resources that keep out neighbors informed and equipped with facts," Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said. "When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in our communities, empowering families to learn and grow together."
The funding will support libraries' investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants will support student learning and literacy from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
The libraries and school districts receiving funding include:
- Ball-Chatham CUSD 5 — $3,749
- Chatham Area Public Library District — $29,750
- Decatur Public Library — $119,887
- Decatur Public School District 61 — $5,968
- Edinburg CUSD 4 — $850
- Lincoln Library — $294,470
- Rochester CUSD 3A — $1,620
- Rochester Public Library District — $12,818
- Springfield Public School District 186 — $6,519
- Stonington Township Library — $1,688
A full list of public and school libraries receiving grant funding can be found here.
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