Giannoulias Awards Nearly $29 Million For Illinois Libraries And Literacy Programs
Since Taking Office, Giannoulias Has Awarded More Than $214 Million in Grants
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias awarded a combined $28.9 million in grants to support library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois.
The grants include awards to regional library systems to enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.
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“Libraries are cornerstones of our communities, providing Illinoisans with access to information, technology, educational resources and opportunities to learn and grow,” Giannoulias said. “These grants strengthen our libraries and literacy programs and help protect the fundamental Right to Read, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access the information and resources they need to succeed.”
The $22.2 million in library service grants includes:
- $18.4 million for the Chicago Public Library System, Illinois Heartland Library System and Reaching Across Illinois Library System to support library system operations, and resource sharing, professional development, delivery services and shared online catalogs at libraries throughout the state.
- $3.3 million for technology and other statewide library initiatives, including cataloging services, technology infrastructure, trustee training and expedited delivery of library materials.
- $461,336 for nine Radio Information Service stations that provide news and information to Illinois residents who are unable to read standard print materials because of visual or physical limitations.
- $50,000 to support libraries at Illinois veterans’ homes in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy, providing residents with books, magazines, computers, internet access and library programming.
The nearly $6.8 million in literacy grants will fund 104 programs serving adults and families throughout Illinois. The programs provide reading, writing, math and English language instruction through three primary areas:
- Adult Volunteer Literacy: One-on-one instruction provided by volunteer tutors to help adults improve their reading, writing, math and language skills.
- Penny Severns Family Literacy: Programs that help parents and children build basic skills together and separately through partnerships among educational agencies, child-at-risk agencies and public libraries.
- Workplace Skills Enhancement: Basic skills instruction provided to working adults through partnerships between educational agencies and businesses.
The grants are funded through a combination of state and federal resources, including funding appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly and federal Library Services and Technology Act funding administered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
As part of Illinois’ commitment to protecting the Right to Read, library recipients also are required to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights or a similar policy prohibiting the banning or removal of library materials based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
While libraries in other states have faced efforts to reduce funding, cut hours and services, and restrict access to books and other materials, Illinois is taking a different approach. Since taking office, Secretary Giannoulias’ administration has awarded more than $214 million in grants to strengthen libraries, expand literacy programs and ensure Illinoisans have the resources they need to learn, grow and exercise their fundamental Right to Read.
A complete list of literacy grants can be found here.
Alexi Giannoulias was sworn into office as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State on January 9, 2023. In this capacity, he also serves as the State Librarian and State Archivist. Giannoulias is committed to transforming the office’s antiquated IT infrastructure to modernize operations and improve customer service for all Illinoisans.
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