Dupage Policy Journal

State Senator Seth Lewis (R-24) has announced that several libraries and library districts in the 24th Senate District will receive a combined total of $693,371.76 in state library grants this year.

The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, include annual per capita and equalization aid grant funding, public library construction grants, and newly created technology grants aimed at helping libraries upgrade their technology infrastructure. The allocations for the 24th Senate District are as follows:

Addison Public Library: $53,017.47

Bartlett Public Library District: $53,510.49

Bensenville Community Public Library: $32,331.42

Bloomingdale Public Library: $33,237.27

Carol Stream Public Library: $59,183.19

Elk Grove Village Public Library: $32,74.43

Glen Ellyn Public Library: $42,836.31

Itasca Community Library: $14,171.36

Naperville Public Library: $222,066.90

Roselle Public Library: $33,774.84

Schaumburg Township District Library: $193,562.33

Warrenville Public Library: $20,932.56

West Chicago Public Library District: $42,958.08

Wheaton Public Library: $80,145.45

Winfield Public Library: $14,604.98

Wood Dale Public Library District: $19,106.01

“Libraries bring communities together and I am thrilled that these grants are coming to the 24th Senate District,” said State Senator Lewis. “When we invest in books and technology at our libraries, we are providing a springboard to knowledge and success for families and individuals.”

Each library or library district has two years to use the technology grants to fund various initiatives such as adding hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, increasing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, incorporating patron self-checkouts, ensuring ADA compliance for library websites and purchasing adaptive technologies for persons with disabilities.

“Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents,” said IL Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives.”