White Oak Library District To Receive $114K In State Grants

Romeoville IL

02 September, 2021

2:53 PM

Description

LOCKPORT, IL – Patrons of five local libraries, including White Oak Library District, will soon see service upgrades due to more than $521,000 in state grants, State Senator John Connor announced Thursday. "Libraries are such a valuable resource to our communities," Connor said in a release. "Not only can residents borrow books and movies at the library, but they can access the internet reliably, use public computers and printers, or even just find a quiet space to study or work remotely." The $521,000 received by five local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state, according to a release from Connor's office. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services. White Oak Library District will receive $114,892, Fountaindale Public Library District will receive $99,832, Three Rivers Public Library District will receive $39,235, Joliet Public Library will receive $218,686 and Woodridge Public Library will receive $48,632. Libraries will use the grants from the Secretary of State's office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more, Connor said. Adequately funded libraries are able to best serve our communities and continue to provide a wide range of resources," Connor said. "We have exceptional public libraries in our area, and I am pleased to see them receive the funds they deserve."