Local Libraries Receive State Grants

State Senator Doris Turner announced 10 public libraries and school districts across Central Illinois are set to receive more than $475,000 in grant funding for library services, enhanced programming, construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries provide free access to educational, historical and literacy resources that keep our neighbors informed and equipped with facts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in our communities, empowering families to learn and grow together.”

The funding is part of more than $27 million awarded statewide to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants.

The grants will support investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants are awarded once each fiscal year and support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

In Turner’s district, five public libraries and five school districts received funding:

Ball-Chatham CUSD 5 received $3,749; Chatham Area Public Library District received $29,750; Decatur Public Library received $119,887; Decatur Public School District 61 received $5,968; Edinburg CUSD 4 received $850; Lincoln Library received $294,470; Rochester CUSD 3A received $1,620; Rochester Public Library District received $12,818; Springfield Public School District 186 received $6,519; and Stonington Township Library received $1,688.