The state of Illinois is awarding millions of dollars in grants to libraries statewide.
Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced that almost $20 million in grant funding has been awarded to libraries in the state to ensure access for residents.
“A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said. “From early childhood education to workforce development, libraries empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Properly funding our libraries will ensure that they are able to continue generating an outsized impact in communities across Illinois.”
Among the libraries in the QCA that are receiving grants are:
- The Edwards River Public Library District in Aledo will receive $6,789.43
- The Atkinson Public Library District will receive $2,045,83
- The Robert R. Jones Public Library District in Coal Valley will receive $7,161,13
- The East Moline Public Library will receive $31,526.65
- The Geneseo Public Library will receive $19,136.65
- The Moline Public Library will receive $63,402.88
- The Rock Island Public Library will receive $54,734.30
Click here to see the full list of libraries receiving grants.
Other library districts received grants to improve their technology. QCA libraries that received these grants include:
- The Hooppole Library District in Annawan will receive $12,500
- The Schmaling Memorial Public Library District in Fulton will receive $12,500
- The Odell Public Library in Morrison will receive $12,500
- The Henry C. Adams Memorial Library in Prophetstown will receive $12,500
Click here to see the full list of grantee libraries.
The Trump administration issued an executive order in March that eliminated and defunded the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The institute awards $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives almost $6 million every year, the sixth largest amount of any state.
“We’re doing things differently in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “Instead of cutting funding that would limit learning and prove harmful to Illinois communities, we’re fighting for Illinoisans to ensure they have the funding and resources to learn, grow and explore today and in the future.”