CHAMPAIGN — State Senator Paul Faraci recently announced that over $1.4 million has been granted to three higher education intuitions in Champaign and Vermilion Counties.

“This funding is a major win for our communities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Access to reliable library resources and basic education is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. These grants will ensure the institutions in our district can continue to serve as centers of learning and opportunity for all community members.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

The goal of these grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

Three institutions in Faraci’s district received funding, including over $1.2 million for the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, $87,000 for Parkland College and $70,000 for the Danville Community College.

A full list of grantees can be found here.