SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that he has awarded more than 600 Illinois public libraries a total of $14 million in Fiscal Year 2003 per capita grants.

Per capita grants provide up to $1.25 per person based upon the population served by eligible public libraries. The grants allow the libraries to improve and increase essential services. 626 public libraries will receive grants this year. Per capita grants may be used for any purpose except construction needs.

"These grants, which are appropriated each year by the General Assembly, allow libraries both large and small to add to their adult and children's collections, hire staff, enhance their technology and provide a wider array of services to patrons," White said. "Many public libraries depend on this assistance to meet essential needs.

"Each year the Illinois library community reaches out to more and more patrons and provides more creative and innovative programs. Our public libraries are cornerstones of our communities that provide educational and recreational opportunities that enrich and enlighten the lives of all citizens. I am committed to doing all I can as State Librarian to keep our public libraries strong in the coming years, and I am pleased to be able to award per capita grants to provide our public libraries with some of the financial resources they need to meet the needs of their patrons."

FY 03 PUBLIC LIBRARY PER CAPITA GRANT RECIPIENTS