Turner Secures Funds to Bolster Literacy Efforts in Central Illinois

Thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Doris Turner, over $227,000 in state funding has been allocated to support four literacy programs serving Springfield and Decatur residents. The investment is part of a broader $28 million package awarded statewide to regional library systems for improvements spanning online catalogs, day-to-day operations, expanded interlibrary lending, and services for vision-impaired individuals who rely on narrated newspaper content.

Senator Turner emphasized the vital role libraries play in their communities, stating that libraries are essential, serving as a vibrant hub for all residents to utilize. She added that directing resources toward library systems represents an effective way to strengthen local institutions and impact constituents directly.

Among the local beneficiaries, Baby TALK Inc. will use its portion of the funding to deliver integrated, intensive instruction aimed at improving parents’ and children’s reading, writing, math, or English language skills together.

The other three recipients—Richland Community College, Fishes & Loaves Outreach Ministries, and Lincoln Land Community College—will direct funds toward adult education programs. Their focus is on assisting adults who read below the ninth-grade level or who speak English at a beginning level, with the goal of strengthening foundational literacy, writing, math, and English language proficiency.