SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to a number of Illinois libraries to extend library hours of operation, increase library services and plan and implement programs for children, teens, adults and seniors.
White said the "Opportunity Knocks" mini-grant is awarded to libraries that have never written or applied for a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant or an Educate and Automate (E&A) grant from the Illinois State Library. 105 competitive grants were awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000.
"Many librarians have wonderful ideas for their library, but they may be apprehensive about writing a grant because they have never done so," White said. "These 'Opportunity Knocks' mini-grants are designed to encourage librarians who have never written a grant to apply, and alleviate the apprehension of first-time grant writers by easing them into the grant process. These new applicants may choose to seek advice and assistance in preparing their grant application from mentors and regional library system consultants.
"The various grants awarded by my office allow our libraries to better serve the public. The grant applications we receive indicate that our libraries are extremely creative in developing ideas and programs for their patrons. They reinforce how committed and dedicated our librarians are to improving people's lives through the dissemination of important information. I congratulate these first-time recipients and hope they will apply for more Illinois State Library grants in the future."
View a list of Opportunity Knocks Award Recipients
