Area Libraries Awarded Public Library Per Capita And Equalization Aid Grants

Two area libraries were awarded grants by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White as part of the FY15 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program.

Nashville Public Library was awarded $4,072.50, and Ashley Public Library District is set to receive $2,383.75 as part of the program.

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law and helps ensure that public libraries have some of the resources they need for expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology. Equalization Aid Grants help qualifying public libraries with a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to our communities,” White said. “Our libraries are the best and most reliable information resource available to citizens, and I am pleased to be able to provide these grants each year.”

Some of the valuable services public libraries provide include:

* Free Internet access

* Books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs

* Audiobooks and e-books

* Interlibrary loan service

* Reference services such as homework assistance

* Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and text messaging

* After school and summer programming for children

* Book clubs where patrons read and discuss books

* Multicultural programming and translation services

* Special programs and services for senior citizens such as tax return assistance and how to use computers and email

* Space for voter registration and organ/tissue donor drives

Meeting rooms for important community events

For more information concerning the grant programs can be found at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/plpc_equalization.html.

Area Libraries Awarded Public

Library Per Capita and

Equalization Aid Grants