Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded FY15 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants totaling $15.2 million to 635 public libraries serving almost 12 million patrons.
Area libraries receiving per capita grants include $2,592.50 to the Chenoa Public Library, $8,256.25 to the Prairie Creek Public Library District, $24,815 to Dominy Memorial Library in Fairbury, $2,926.25 to Odell Public Library District, $3,516.25 to Pontiac Public Library and $17,137.50 to Streator Public Library.
“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to our communities,” White said. “Our libraries are the best and most reliable information resource available to citizens, and I am pleased to be able to provide these grants each year.”
Some of the valuable services public libraries provide include:
- Free Internet access
- Books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs
- Audiobooks and e-books
- Interlibrary loan service
- Reference services such as homework assistance
- Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and text messaging
- After school and summer programming for children
- Book clubs where patrons read and discuss books
- Multicultural programming and translation services
- Special programs and services for senior citizens such as tax return assistance and how to use computers and email
- Space for voter registration and organ/tissue donor drives
Meeting rooms for important community events.
