SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced 10 public libraries and school districts across Central Illinois are set to receive more than $475,000 for library services, enhanced programming and 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.”
More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.
In Turner’s district, five public libraries and five school districts received funding, including:
- Ball-Chatham CUSD 5 – $3,749
- Chatham Area Public Library District – $29,750
- Decatur Public Library – $119,887
- Decatur Public School District 61 – $5,968
- Edinburg CUSD 4 – $850
- Lincoln Library – $294,470
- Rochester CUSD 3A – $1,620
- Rochester Public Library District – $12,818
- Springfield Public School District 186 – $6,519
- Stonington Township Library – $1,688
A full list of public and school libraries receiving grant funding can be found here.
