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The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office is awarding $2 million
in grants to 113 libraries. To qualify for the grant funding,
communities must be eligible for equalization aid grant funding
as a result of a low tax base and a high poverty rate.
“As the world and technology evolves, libraries must transform
as well so they can deliver programming and services that meet
the needs of their customers and communities,” Illinois
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the state’s librarian,
said during a news conference at the Cicero library.
Giannoulias’ office said the grants can be used to fund multiple
things, such as expanding online collections and e-resources,
purchasing adaptive technologies that accommodate service needs
for persons with disabilities, or incorporating patron
self-checkout.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Chuy Garcia, D-Chicago, said libraries can
help with those who don’t have access to quality broadband.
“Digital equity is a matter of justice and libraries help
provide that access to technology,” said Garcia.
The eligible libraries can receive an amount of $27,500 or
$12,500 depending on the size of the population they serve.
“Continuing to provide libraries with diverse resources whether
printed or digitally, we’re making a priceless investment into
our communities, especially those that are underserved,” said
state Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero.
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