Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
The Urbana Free Library to receive over $56K to improver technology infrastructure through a Public Library Per Capita Grant from the state.
SNS - Libraries in Champaign, Urbana, and Oakwood in the 52nd Senate District will receive a combined $196,330 in grants to improve resources for patrons and programming. Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced this week that the Champaign Public Library would receive $131,128 and the Urbana Free Library would receive $56,928. The Oakwood would receive $8,274 in funding from the state. Danville, Rantoul, and Westville would also be recipients of grant money. The grants were distributed statewide to assist libraries most in need of upgrading their technology infrastructure. “I am truly delighted by the additional funding allocated to enhance library technology and accessibility here in our home of Champaign-Urbana, made possible by the recent budget I supported this Spring,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (103rd District—Urbana). “Both the Champaign Public Library and Urbana Free Library will receive just over $180,000, which will enrich library experiences and services for community members of all ages, young and old. Literacy unlocks wonder and curiosity in all of us, and I’m pleased that this funding will become a reality for my community.” Libraries in the district serve over 185,000 people. “Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.” The Public Library Per Capita Grants are awarded annually to support local public library services. This year, public libraries received just under $1.50 per person in their service area. Public libraries can use this funding for operational needs, including purchasing materials for their library collections and making capital improvements to their facilities. Under the new technology grant initiative, eligible public libraries were determined by a review of their local tax base in comparison to the population that is served and also the poverty level of the community. "Libraries are more than just a place for books—they offer engaging programs and are essential for learning and success at every stage of life," said State Senator Paul Faraci (52nd District—Champaign). "By investing in our libraries, we're investing in our students, adult learners, and the entire community." Libraries have a two-year window to utilize technology grants for various purposes. These include acquiring hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, enhancing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, implementing patron self-checkouts, ensuring ADA compliance for library websites, and procuring adaptive technologies to meet the service needs of individuals with disabilities.
