Black Hawk College Gust E. Lundberg Library at the East Campus is the only community college library in Illinois to receive a $10,000 national grant specifically for small and rural libraries.

Black Hawk College’s Gust E. Lundberg Library at the East Campus has received a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association’s “Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities” initiative. This makes BHC the only community college library in Illinois to earn the award in the latest round. The funding will be used to create private, distraction-free study spaces tailored for neurodivergent students. Library staff will also participate in training and host forums with students to further improve accessibility. These efforts aim to help neurodivergent learners succeed academically, addressing the persistent challenges they often face.

“The BHC Library is excited and grateful to have been selected for this opportunity,” said Ashtin Trimble, director of library services.

“This grant will allow us to work with our neurodivergent students to make our library more welcoming, accessible and conducive to all types of learners,” she said.

Visit “Black Hawk College East Campus” for more information.