Secretary of State awards more than $15 million for library grants

<span>CHESTER -- Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced on Feb. 9 that his office has awarded Per Capita and Equalization Aid grants to 635 public libraries in the state.</span>

<span>The total amount of the grants is $15.2 million, with Chester, Sparta, Steeleville, Red Bud and Evansville each getting a piece.</span>

<span>Chester will receive $10,732.50 in Per Capita Grant funds and $9,123.79 from the Equalization Aid Grant for a total of $19,856.29.</span>

<span>"We count on this money," said Tammy Grah, administrative librarian at the Chester Public Library. "It's part of our operating budget. The funding we get through these grants is very much needed to enhance our collection and the services we offer to the general public."</span>

<span>When asked how the money will be spent, Grah said recommendations from herself go to the library's Board of Trustees, which has the final say on expenditures.</span>

<span>The Steeleville Area Public Library District will receive $5,872.50 from the Per Capita Grant only.</span>

<span>"We get it every year and I'm always thankful that we do," said Library Director Sarah Neal. "We plan to use it on materials, computers, internet, Ebooks, things the patrons use a lot."</span>

<span>According to a news release from the Secretary of State's Office, Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law and helps ensure that public libraries have some of the resources they need for expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, </span>

<span>electronic access, telecommunications and technology.</span>

<span>Equalization Aid Grants help qualifying public libraries with a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.</span>

<span>"I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois' public libraries provide to our</span>

<span>communities," White said in the release. "Our libraries are the best and most reliable information resource available to citizens, and I am pleased to be able to provide these grants each year."</span>

<span>Red Bud will receive $4,622.50 from the Per Capita Grant, while Sparta will receive $5,377.50 from the Per Capita Grant. The Evansville Public Library will receive $876.25 from the same grant.</span>

<span id="docs-internal-guid-14c27749-861a-9222-4843-720472299929"><span>According to the release, the 635 libraries receiving grant money serve a total of almost 12 million patrons.</span></span>