CHICAGO — A major stride in fortifying education and literacy has been unveiled in Illinois, as Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced grants amounting to an impressive $27 million.
The grants, designed to support library services and adult literacy initiatives, are set to have a transformative impact on communities across the state.
Giannoulias’ visionary approach underscores the significance of these grants in providing equitable access to education resources. More than 140 recipients are set to benefit from the funding, extending the reach of library programs and literacy efforts.
Among the noteworthy recipients are:
- Arlington Heights: The Center – Receiving $85,000 for literacy programs
- Arlington Heights: Township High School District 214 Community Education – Awarded $100,000 for adult volunteer literacy
- Arlington Heights: Township High School District 214 Community Education – Granted $50,000 for family literacy
- Aurora: Dominican Literacy Center – Awarded $50,000 for adult volunteer literacy
- Bourbonnais: Bourbonnais Public Library – Granted $11,950 for Library Services and Technology Act Grant
- Bradley: Bradley Public Library District – Awarded $15,360 for Library Services and Technology Act Grant
- Bradley: Kankakee Community College – Securing $68,108 for adult volunteer literacy
- Carol Stream: World Relief DuPage/Aurora & Chicago – Receiving $100,000 for adult volunteer literacy
- Champaign: Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois – Awarded $907,501 for state grant – technology services
- Champaign: Parkland College – Securing $87,191 for adult volunteer literacy
- Champaign: Parkland College – Granted $38,763 for family literacy
- Chicago: Chicago Public Library System – Receiving $2,573,253.46 for system area and per capita grant
- Danville: Danville Area Community College – Awarded $68,025 for adult volunteer literacy
- Decatur: Baby TALK, Inc. – Securing $50,000 for family literacy
- Decatur: Richland Community College – Granted $85,000 for adult volunteer literacy
- DeKalb: Northern Illinois Radio Information Service – Receiving $28,273 for services for the blind and physically handicapped
- Joliet: Joliet Junior College – Awarded $66,614 for adult volunteer literacy
- Joliet: Joliet Junior College – Securing $32,451 for family literacy
- Mount Carmel: Wabash Valley College Radio Information Service – Granted $27,185 for services for the blind and physically handicapped
- Wood Dale: Wood Dale Public Library District – Receiving $30,066 for Library Services and Technology Act Grant
These grants encompass a diverse range of initiatives, from educational mentoring programs engaging students in active learning to family literacy programs designed to strengthen both parental and child reading, math, writing, and language skills. Moreover, the grants address accessibility concerns by providing resources for the visually impaired and those with physical limitations.
One of the standout features of the grants is the promotion of statewide collaboration, enabling seamless sharing of materials and resources between libraries and patrons. This interconnected approach promises to create a cohesive and vibrant learning community.
To view the comprehensive list of grant recipients and their awarded amounts, click here.
