CHAMPAIGN – Five local organizations in Champaign and Vermilion Counties will receive over $1.1 million in combined grants to grow and enhance their services, thanks to support from State Senator Paul Faraci.

“This state money will help our local libraries continue to provide a great service to our community,” said Faraci (D-Champaign) “Libraries not only provide residents with access to knowledge and information, they are a safe haven for our children, providing programs to help them succeed.”  

Five area libraries and library services are set to receive a total of $1,147,850 to enhance community and family literacy, improve library services and upgrade current technology to ensure they are providing effective, accessible services to their residents.

Danville Community College will receive a Community Literacy Grant for $68,025 and Parkland College will receive a Community Literacy Grant and a Family Literacy Grant for a combined total of $125,954. Danville Correctional Center will receive $15,000 for library services.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will receive a $907,501 technology grant to support Illinois library delivery services. The Illinois Radio Reader Service, which helps make library materials more accessible for people who are blind or who have vision impairments, will receive $31,370.

“The Literacy grant gives DACC the means to provide reading, writing, math, and English as a Second Language instruction to the adults in the community who lack academic skills enabling them to fully engage in family, work, and community roles,” said Danville Area Community College President Stephen Nacco.

For more information about Illinois State Library grant programs, click here.