WIU receives grant for library services, JWCC receives adult literacy grant from state librarian’s office

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced Friday he has awarded more than $21.4 million in grants for library services and more than $5.7 million in adult literacy grants for local literacy programs to more than 140 Illinois recipients.

Among the local libraries to receive a grant were the Board of Trustees of Western Illinois University in Macomb, which received $36,968 for blind and physically handicapped radio information service, and John Wood Community College in Quincy, which received $71,835 for adult volunteer literacy.

“As state librarian, it’s a privilege to provide these resources to support and enhance local library services and adult literacy programs across Illinois,” Giannoulias said in a press release. “Without properly funding programs, staff and educators, learning is difficult. These grants have the ability to position individuals for success and change lives by serving the unique needs of local communities.”

Giannoulias awarded the grants to projects that:

• Support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning.
• Fund online catalogs and provide resources aimed at narrowing the digital divide.
• Provide educational and training opportunities for library staff.
• Train volunteers who tutor older teens and adults in basic reading, math, writing and language skills.
• Enhance family literacy programs for parents and children that focus on basic reading, math, writing and language skills.
• Provide workplace literacy programming to employees of Illinois businesses.
• Allow access to news and reading materials for those who are vision impaired or have other physical limitations.
• Expand free statewide sharing and delivery of materials between libraries and patrons.

The Secretary of State’s office awarded grants for library programs and services using combined state funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act funds. The Adult Literacy Program is funded with state funds and is administered by the Secretary of State’s Illinois State Library Literacy Office.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office administers multiple grant programs each fiscal year, amounting to nearly $65 million annually.