Illinois is boosting support for libraries and literacy with nearly $28 million in new grants announced by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. This substantial funding will enhance library services, including updating online catalogs, improving resource sharing across various libraries, and aiding individuals with vision impairments. Additionally, literacy programs focusing on essential skills like reading and math will receive significant support to foster educational growth and community strength. These initiatives, reinforced by state and federal funds, underscore Illinois’ commitment to academic and accessible resources for all its residents, distinguishing its approach from states experiencing library budget cuts.
“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”
The most recent grant funding includes:
- More than $18 million allocated to library systems across the state. Libraries systems use this funding to support day-to-day operations and assure resource sharing occurs between public, school, academic and special libraries, which enables library patrons across Illinois to request materials from any participating library free-of-charge. Last fiscal year, more than 11 million items were shared between libraries throughout the state.
- Nearly $5.8 million in literacy grants that support adult, family and workplace literacy programs awarded to volunteer organizations, community colleges and school districts, and not-for-profit entities.
- More than $2.3 million to expand online catalogues and interlibrary resource sharing between public, school, academic, and special libraries, providing more variety in the types of resources Illinoisans can access.
- More than $500,000 for technology-focused mentorship programs at public libraries to help middle and high school students.
- More than $350,000 to provide narration of local newspaper content to individuals who cannot read standard print material due to visibility challenges or other accessibility needs.
- Nearly $50,000 to support veteran’s home libraries that provide books, magazines, computers and internet access to veterans in long-term care and their spouses.
