Over $200,000 secured for central Illinois literacy programs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Over $227,000 in funding has been secured to support four literacy programs in Springfield and Decatur.

The funds are part of a larger $28 million that is being awarded to library systems across Illinois for improvements including enhancing online catalogues and supporting day to day operations.

"Libraries are essential, serving as a vibrant hub in our communities for all residents to utilize," said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Investing in our library systems is an incredible way to empower their initiatives, while directly supporting the communities."

Baby TALK inc. received funds to help provide integrated instruction to improve the basic reading, writing skills, math or English language proficiency of parents and children together.

Richland Community College, Fishes & Loaves Outreach Ministries and Lincoln Land Community College got funding to provide instruction to adults who read below the 9th grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their basic reading, writing, math or English language proficiency.

A full list of awardees and the amount of money each will receive can be found in an Illinois Secretary of State spreadsheet.

8 players, assistant coach ejected from Southeast-Springfield game

Sherman residents and leaders fed up with damage caused by utility provider

Trump's 'tough it out' advice to expectant moms is the latest example of men opining on women's pain