State Senator Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) is pleased to announce that several libraries and library districts in the 32nd Senate District are receiving a combined $277,744.01 in state library grants.
The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, included annual per capita and equalization aid grant funding, public library construction grants and one-time newly created technology grants to help libraries most in need to upgrade their technology infrastructure. The 32nd Senate District allocations are as follows:
| Antioch Public Library District | $38,333.79 |
| Cary Area Public Library District | $40,475.16 |
| Fox Lake Public Library District | $39,676.23 |
| Johnsburg Public Library District | $18,010.08 |
| McHenry Public Library District | $62,150.22 |
| River East Public Library | $6,281.55 |
| Nippersink Public Library District | $16,458.26 |
| Rural Woodstock Public Library District | $18,298.17 |
| Woodstock Public Library | $38,060.55 |
“Our libraries play a crucial role in providing our community with access to information and opportunities to expand their knowledge,” said Wilcox. “By updating libraries to meet the evolving needs of residents, we ensure they remain vital educational resources for everyone.”
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 capital improvements to their facilities.
Libraries have two years to expend the technology grants to help fund things such as adding hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, increasing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, incorporating patron self-checkouts, and assuring ADA compliance for library websites and purchasing adaptive technologies that accommodate service needs for persons with disabilities.
“Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.”