FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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March 26, 2009

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

Secretary of State Jesse White Awards Construction Grants to 17 Public Libraries

SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded FY2009 Live and Learn Construction Grants to seventeen Illinois public libraries to help pay for essential capital improvements.

“This competitive grant program assists public libraries each year in paying for the cost of projects such as remodeling for handicapped accessibility, new carpeting, interior or exterior painting, and in some cases new construction or additions to existing facilities,” White said. “Many of our public libraries simply don’t have sufficient funds to pay for these improvements on their own. Our public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and they have never been more important. More and more citizens are using their local public library during these difficult economic times. I am pleased to be able to award these grants through the Illinois State Library to help maintain our public libraries as the best resource available to citizens for information.”

White said the libraries receiving grants are:

Benton Public Library District, $16,600 for lighting and the installation of security surveillance equipment.

Prairie Trails Public Library District in Burbank, $26,000 to renovate public restrooms.

Carmi Public Library, $17,400 for handicapped accessible doors in the front and back of the library and to correct parking lot drainage problems.

Chester Public Library, $25,000 to replace carpeting and flooring and to paint and repair high use areas of the building.

Coulterville Public Library, $25,000 for roof replacement, painting and repairs to walls, removal and replacement of ceiling tiles and removal and replacement of floor covering.

Freeburg Area Library District, $125,000 for a children’s wing addition.

Hanover Township Library, $50,000 to install remotely operated front doors, handicapped accessible restrooms, a 630 square feet addition to the rear of the building, a larger entry area, and a media section for handicapped accessibility.

Mahomet Public Library District, $125,000 to help build a new 13,060 square foot library.

McCoy Memorial Library in McLeansboro, $24,000 for steam pipe replacement, electrical service and air conditioner improvements.

Mt. Carmel Public Library, $21,000 for fire protection upgrades.

Nokomis Public Library, $24,975 for interior painting, a new circulation desk, new carpeting, outside signage, new computer desks, new chairs and automatic doors.

Norris City Memorial Public Library District, $24,220 to upgrade bathrooms, replacement of a front sidewalk, a new roof, gutter guards, replacement of outdoor lights and new paint and door handles on the front entrance.

Reddick Public Library District in Ottawa, $24,561 to replace carpeting throughout the library.

Pekin Public Library, $24,864 for new doors for the corner entrance of the building.

Elwood Township Carnegie Library in Ridge Farm, $17,400 for exterior painting.

Vienna Carnegie Public Library, $25,000 for a new sidewalk, repair and repainting of a community room; circulation desk improvements, two computer stations, computer wiring, new compact chairs, new magazine racks and a security system.

Wayne City Public Library, $25,000 for new carpeting, wall treatment, restrooms, and a renovated handicapped-parking area at a new library building.