DES PLAINES – Communities across the Northwest Suburbs will be able to enjoy expanded services at their local libraries thanks to more than $360,000 in grants, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced Thursday.
“Kids who read, succeed. Local libraries are a major contributor to literacy in our neighborhoods,” Murphy said. “With the school year starting back up, the resources libraries offer—computers, meeting spaces and helpful librarians—will be in even greater demand.”
Four libraries in the 28th District will receive a combined $361,075.58, part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. 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.
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.
“Our community is brighter and stronger thanks to our libraries,” Murphy said. “This funding will help support the work they do every day to educate and inspire.”
The following libraries in the district Murphy represents will receive funds:
- Des Plaines Public Library, $86,086.90
- Elk Grove Village Public Library, $32,603.40
- Park Ridge Public Library, $55,283
- Schaumburg Township District Library, $187,102.28
For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.
