LIBERTYVILLE – Five public library districts will receive more than $312,000 through the Illinois Secretary of State’s public library grant program, thanks to strong support from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen.
“Libraries provide essential resources for our community members–which I know about firsthand from my experience in education,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “That’s why I am excited to announce new grant funds coming to local libraries. These funds will allow people in our community to become great leaders and brilliant thinkers through access to high-tech tools, a wide variety of reading materials, and more.”
The Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants are awarded annually to public libraries across the state and can be used for books and multilingual materials, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and more.
The following library districts in Edly-Allen’s district received a total of $312,015:
- Cook Memorial Public Library District, $90,413
- Zion-Benton Public Library District, $63,183
- Lake Villa Public Library District, $58,718
- Round Lake Area Public Library District, $58,521
- Grayslake Area Public Library District, $41,180
To further support the utilization of libraries, Edly-Allen is hosting a Summer Reading Program for young people in her community. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive one Culver’s Scoopie and a personally signed certificate from Senator Edly-Allen. Printed copies of the Book Club form are available at several of these local libraries, or on the Senator’s website.
“As an educator, I see how transformative a visit to the library can be for students,” said Edly-Allen. “Being able to access so many books and educational materials encourages them to continue being curious, and to establish a lifelong love of learning.”
For more information on the grants, visit the Secretary of State’s website.
