Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, has announced grant funding to upgrade library services across the state. Libraries within the 48th Senate District, which serves over 210,000 residents, are set to receive a total of $340,545 in grants.

The funding is meant to support library services and ensure that residents have equal access to quality resources and programming. Funding itself comes from a mix of annual per capita grants, equalization aid grants, public library construction grants, and newly introduced technology grants. Within the 48th Senate District, Stonington Township was awarded $1,474, Rochester received $11,196, and the Chatham Area garnered $25,775.

State Senator Doris Turner highlighted the power these grants can have, noting that they will help libraries advance their technology and materials. State Representative Mike Coffey emphasized the role of libraries as essential community hubs that offer limitless access to information. He expressed that the efforts funded by these grants will help libraries meet changing community needs. State Representative Sue Scherer also voiced strong support for the initiative, stating the role libraries play in providing residents with services such as internet access and educational programs.

Libraries will have up to two years to put the funding to use for upgrades like new hardware, upgraded online resources, improved Wi-Fi capability, and additional technologies for people with disabilities. For more information, contact Erin Henkel at 217-361-9832 or by emailing e-henkel@ilsos.gov.