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March 5, 2009

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

Jesse White Awards $14.2 Million in Annual Public Library Per Capita Grants

SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded Illinois public libraries almost $14.2 million in fiscal year 2009 per capita and equalization aid grants. White said 626 public library per capita grants were allocated at a rate of almost $1.21 per resident. Seven public libraries with a low library tax base will receive equalization aid grants totaling more than $86,000 to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

"Public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and they have never been more important,” said White. “More and more Illinois citizens are utilizing their local public library during these difficult economic times. If they are looking for work, they know they can find free Internet access to help search for a job. If they are cutting back on entertainment expenses, they know they can borrow books, CD’s, DVD’s and other items. Senior citizens living on fixed incomes are coming to the public library to read newspapers and attend free classes on how to use computers. And this winter, many of our public libraries have been designated as warming shelters for any citizen to use when bitterly cold temperatures strike.”

“Our libraries remain the best and most reliable sources available to citizens for information, education and entertainment. I am so proud of the dedication and hard work performed by our librarians and library staff. They are the reason our public libraries are sources of civic pride. Public libraries bring people together and make communities stronger. Libraries count on these per capita grants each year for important expenses such as paying for books, personnel, equipment, and electronic access. I am delighted to be able to provide public libraries with some of the financial resources they need to meet patron needs.”

Among other requirements, public libraries receiving grants this year had to complete an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation form and identify areas where the library is not ADA complaint. Libraries also completed a survey about construction needs and provided a list of electronic databases available to patrons.

Listing Of Public Libraries Receiving Awards