CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced 13 public libraries and school districts across Champaign and Vermilion counties are set to receive more than $375,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.
“Libraries are cornerstones of our communities, providing opportunities for lifelong learning, workforce development and meaningful connections,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By investing in our libraries, we are expanding access to the resources families, students and job seekers rely on while building stronger, more vibrant communities in Central Illinois.”
More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.
In Faraci’s district, six public libraries and seven school districts received funding, including:
- Champaign School District 4 - $8,904
- Champaign Public Library - $150,113
- Danville School District 118 - $4,006
- Danville Public Library - $49,647
- Oakwood School District 76 - $850
- Oakwood Public Library District - $9,472
- Rantoul City School District 137 - $1,307
- Rantoul Public Library - $25,622
- Rantoul Township High School District 193 - $850
- Urbana Free Library - $65,171
- Urbana School District 116 - $3,436
- Westville School District 2 - $934
- Westville Public Library District - $57,892
A full list of public and school libraries receiving grant funding can be found here.
