Nashville Community High School Library Awarded $4,900 Grant

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded $752,835 in grants to 187 libraries to help them build their fiction and nonfiction collections. It was announced on Friday, December 18th that NCHS’ library was one of several libraries across Illinois chosen for this “Back to Books” grant.

“It is important that our libraries have access to a diverse collection of books available for knowledge and enjoyment,” Jesse White stated in a press release, “These grants are a great way for libraries to encourage reading and get more people to utilize their local library.”

According to the press release, the awards ranged from $465 to $4,900 per library. NCHS’ library earned the greatest amount possible through this grant.

On the applications submitted for the grant, libraries were asked to specify the types of books that were needed for their collections. Requests included women’s studies and sociology, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), cultural/travel books, e-books, award-winning titles, and do-it-yourself books among others.

“I want to thank Ms. LeighAnn White for her efforts in securing this grant for the NCHS library.” District #99 Superintendent Brad Turner said, “The grant will allow us to purchase new books and research materials that are of interest to our students, and I know Ms. White is excited to be able to expand the selections we have available to our students.”

The grants were made possible by federal Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.