ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2000 CONTACT: Dave Druker or CONTACT: Randy Nehrt

White to Award $500,000 in Library
Grants for Assistive Technology

SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White will award a total of $500,000 in competitive grants to Illinois libraries in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the July 26, 1990, signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Illinois State Library will host a series of vendor exhibits across the state to demonstrate assistive technology for use in local libraries. "The latest products for citizens with physical, hearing and/or visual impairments will be displayed," said Secretary White. "Adaptive technology for computers, software and furniture to suit the physical and working conditions of the user will be featured."

     The Illinois State Library will offer individual grants of up to $2,500 to school and public libraries as part of the program. The grants will assist libraries in purchasing the needed specialized equipment.

     Grant applications will be accepted only from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31, 2000. Applications will be available at all vendor fair sites and should be returned to Library Development Group, Illinois State Library, 300 S. Second St., Springfield, Illinois 62701.

     The following is a list of dates, sites and contacts for the vendor fairs:

• September 28 – Arlington Heights Public Library – Paula Moore, 847-392-0100

• September 29 – Naperville Public Library – Lynn Elam, 630- 961-4100

• October 3 – Alpha Park Public Library, Bartonville – Debbie Wenzil, 309-697-3822

• October 4 – Carle Foundation, Champaign – Brenda Pacey, 217- 352-0047

• October 5 – Mt. Vernon Center for Independent Living - Mike Egbert, 618-244-9212

• October 10 – Deicke Center, Wheaton – Leah Gerlach, 630-690- 5966

• October 11 – Northern Illinois University, DeKalb – Dolly Jones, 815-753-9854

• October 12 – Bensenville Public Library – Bill Erbes, 630- 766-4642