KANKAKEE, IL – Four local libraries in the 40th Senate District are celebrating a much-needed boost as they receive nearly $170,000 in combined grants. These funds will enable them to enhance their services, expand community literacy programs, and upgrade their technology to better serve the residents.
Prairie State College, Kankakee Community College, Bradley Public Library, and Bourbonnais Public Library will be the beneficiaries of this initiative. The grants come as a welcome opportunity to enrich their offerings and provide valuable resources to the public.
Jodie DePatis, Director of Bradley Public Library, expressed excitement about the Project Next Generation Grant they received. This grant will allow the library to expand its youth programming, offering engineering, coding, and robotics activities for middle school students and makerspace activities, including 3D and sublimation printing, for teens.
The Illinois State Library administers these grants to facilitate library and literacy services, fostering access to ideas, resources, and information.
“Many folks rely on their local libraries, as they provide books, host events and have other essential resources available to the public,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in our community to provide residents with the best possible tools for success and community engagement.”
With such support, these local libraries can further strengthen their roles as vital community hubs.
