Public libraries across Chicago’s western suburbs are receiving grants from the state to enhance their programs and lending materials.
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced Wednesday that 10 libraries in Illinois’ fourth senate district, collectively serving more than 111,000 people, will share $325,551 in annual per capita and equalization aid grants.
Per capita grants award up to $1.475 per person who lives in a given library’s service area. Equalization aid grants give additional financial support to libraries with too small tax bases “to ensure a minimum level of funding.”
The funding also includes construction grants for libraries to refurbish, update or build facilities and new, one-time grants “to help libraries most in need to upgrade their technology infrastructure” over the next two years.
The Maywood Public Library will receive the largest grant of $112,498 while the library in Bellwood will receive $77,901. Forest Park’s library will get $21,293. The other grants will range from about $8,000 to $25,000 and will be given to public libraries in Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Oak Brook and Westchester.
“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 in a written statement. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.”
