WEST CHICAGO – Upgraded services are coming to libraries across the 25th District thanks to more than $231,000 in grants, State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) announced Thursday.
“Libraries are incredibly important as our students seek accessible, quiet study spots and families take advantage of remote work and online resources,” Villa said. “This funding is critical to ensuring our local libraries are operating at their highest potential and able to continue providing opportunities to our community.”
The $231,000 received by six local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.
Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.
“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to all residents,” Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White said. “I truly believe libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and I am pleased to provide this increased funding to help them serve the public.”
The following libraries in the district Villa represents will receive funds:
o Batavia Public Library District, $39,178
o Town and Country Public Library District, $18,278
o Saint Charles Public Library District, $81,260
o Sugar Grove Public Library District, $23,247
o West Chicago Public Library District, $44,137
o Yorkville Public Library, $24,958
For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.
