Giannoulias Announces $27 Million Investment to Build Safer, Stronger Libraries for Illinois Families

Funding Will Expand Access to Learning, Support Library Construction and Improve Security Across the State

Max Walczyk - Office of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Jun 23, 2026 3:10 PM Jun 23, 2026 3:13 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias is awarding more than $27 million in grants to libraries across Illinois, investing in books, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades.

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The funding will support public and school libraries serving millions of Illinois residents and students while ensuring communities across the state have access to the resources they need to learn, grow and thrive. Since taking office in 2023, Giannoulias has directed more than $183 million in grant funding to support public libraries, school libraries and adult literacy programs throughout Illinois.

“Libraries are one of the best investments we can make in our communities,” Giannoulias said. "They help children discover a love of reading, connect job seekers with new opportunities, provide critical access to technology and serve as trusted spaces for millions of Illinoisans. These investments reflect our commitment to ensuring every Illinoisian – regardless of ZIP code – has access to quality library services, modern facilities and welcoming spaces while protecting their freedom to learn, read and explore.”

“Public libraries are often the first places people turn for educational resources, internet access, workforce assistance and lifelong learning opportunities,” said Sandra Tomschin, Director of the Cicero Public Library. “These investments will help libraries continue meeting the evolving needs of our communities while ensuring patrons have access to safe, modern and welcoming spaces. We are grateful for Secretary Giannoulias’ leadership and his commitment to strengthening libraries across Illinois at a time when those resources are needed more than ever.”

The investments come as libraries nationwide face uncertainty amid efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the primary federal agency supporting libraries.

The funding also builds upon Illinois’ nation-leading efforts to protect access to information and support libraries. In 2023, Illinois became the first state in the nation to prohibit book bans. In 2025, Giannoulias helped create Illinois’ first Library Security Grant Program following a series of bomb threats and other security concerns that targeted libraries across the state.

To qualify for the state library grants, libraries and school districts must certify that they are compliant with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, that prevents the removal of materials based solely on partisan, political or ideological objections.

Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants: More than $22.6 Million

The Secretary of State’s office is awarding more than $22.6 million through its annual Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant programs. The FY2026 awards represent a 15 percent increase over last year’s grants, providing libraries with additional resources to meet growing community needs and rising operational costs.

A total of 640 public libraries will receive $20.6 million in Per Capita Grants to support books and multilingual materials, internet access, digital resources, staffing, community programming and facility improvements. Funding amounts were calculated according to a statutory formula based on the population of each community.

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Additionally, 88 public libraries will receive nearly $2.1 million in Equalization Aid Grants, which help libraries in communities with lower property tax bases maintain a minimum level of funding for library services. The grants reflect an historic expansion of the Equalization Aid formula approved in the FY2026 state budget and championed by Giannoulias. For the first time in nearly two decades, the state’s minimum funding benchmark increased from $7.50 to $17.50 per resident, helping narrow funding disparities between wealthier communities and libraries serving areas with fewer local resources.

View a full list of libraries and award amounts.

Library Security and Construction Grants: More than $3.6 Million

The Secretary of State’s office is awarding more than $3.6 million to improve public library facilities, enhance accessibility and strengthen security for patrons and staff.

The office is awarding nearly $2.8 million in newly established Library Security Grants to 60 public libraries statewide. The grant program was created in response to a series of bomb threats directed at Illinois libraries in 2023, which prompted evacuations and law enforcement responses in communities across the state. Giannoulias spearheaded legislation establishing the grant program to help libraries address evolving security challenges with security assessments, cameras, motion sensors, silent alarms, access-control systems and staff training.

In addition, the Secretary of State’s office is awarding $866,953 in Public Library Construction Grants to 13 public libraries to support accessibility upgrades, renovations, building additions and other facility improvements.

View a full list of libraries and award amounts.

School Library Grants: More than $1.3 Million

The Secretary of State’s office recently awarded more than $1.3 million to 2,524 public school libraries across 660 Illinois school districts.

The grants will help schools purchase books, e-books, audiobooks, multilingual materials, technology and other educational resources that support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

View a full list of libraries and award amounts.

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