ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2002 CONTACT: Dave Druker PHONE:  (217) 782-5984                  (312) 814-3175 or CONTACT: Randy Nehrt PHONE:  (217) 782-5984 TTY:        1-800-252-2904

White Announces Libraries Coming to Three Illinois Veterans Homes
Secretary of State Provides $110,000 in Grants

SPRINGFIELD –– Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that Illinois Veterans Homes located in LaSalle, Manteno and Anna will soon receive state funds to establish and staff libraries at the facilities.

Currently only the Quincy Veterans Home has a library. White said the Quincy facility was the model for establishing libraries at the other three facilities. The Veterans Homes in LaSalle, Manteno and Anna are each being awarded $30,000 to start and staff libraries. The Quincy facility will receive $20,000 for continued upkeep of its library.

White said a portion of funds raised by the sale and renewal of various Illinois military license plates has been earmarked to create special libraries at each site. When a motorist purchases a new military style license plate, $15 is awarded for Veterans Home libraries. Renewal of such military plates generates $2 for Veterans Home libraries.

"As we prepare to honor our nation's fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, I am pleased that funds have been raised that will now allow all four of our homes for Illinois veterans to have on-site libraries," said White, who served as a paratrooper in the 101st U.S. Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard. "These libraries will provide both residents and staff with access to library materials and services. The residents of these homes who so gallantly answered their nation's call will now have the resources to meet their educational and recreational needs."

White said the libraries will be eligible to apply for future state and federal grant funding awarded by the Illinois State Library.