CHAMPAIGN – With help from State Senator Paul Faraci, more than $5,000 in state funding has been awarded to public school libraries across Vermilion County as part of a statewide initiative to strengthen library resources for students.
“This funding is an essential investment in the success and growth of our students,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Strengthening our school libraries ensures every child has the tools they need to learn, explore and imagine a brighter future.”
The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.
Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program is appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. In Vermilion County, and Faraci’s district, three school libraries received funding:
- Danville School District: $3,988
- Westville School District: $947
- Oakwood School District: $850
“Throughout Illinois, school librarians are thankful to receive these grants from Secretary Giannoulias to improve our libraries,” said Jacob Roskovensky, Danville School District librarian and president of the Association of Illinois School Library Educators, which provides leadership and support for the development, promotion and improvement of school libraries. “In some districts, this funding is the sole source of revenue to purchase books. These grants allow school librarians to continue to bolster their educational offerings, ensuring that all Illinois students have opportunities to learn.”
View a full list of grant recipients here.
