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March 25, 2004

Pat McGuckin
Randy Nehrt

White Announces Illinois to Receive $6.17 Million in Federal Funds for Libraries

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that the Illinois State Library has been awarded $6.17 million in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to distribute to Illinois libraries.

"At a time when state funding for libraries is limited, federal LSTA grants are critical to helping Illinois libraries provide the essential services our patrons demand," White said. "LSTA funds are specifically designed to assist public, school, academic and special libraries in the development of programs that provide and focus on library service, new initiatives, and library activities.

"These funds encourage and reward creativity and innovation. Illinois librarians are immensely talented in recognizing specific needs and using these funds to address those needs. Over the years LSTA grants have resulted in wonderfully creative new programs in our state's 4,000 libraries. Our librarians are always looking to the future, and looking for new ways to educate, entertain and enlighten our patrons. LSTA grants help provide our libraries with some of the financial resources they need to remain our state's most dependable sources of information."

White identified some of the ways libraries use LSTA grants as:

• To expand a library's collection for users not traditionally identified as a group but who have specific requirements, similar needs or common interests, such as ethnic populations, job seekers, persons needing special formats or persons speaking a language other than English.
• To develop a creative, innovative or unique library program, project or service based on user or community need.
• For digital imaging grants to create Internet-ready electronic versions of library materials and collections, specifically Illinois-related historical and cultural materials.
• To establish partnerships with other libraries that reflect, enhance and promote the value of multi-library and multi-cultural projects.
• Disaster aid grants that provide immediate, short-term funding for public, school, academic or special libraries that encounter exceptional and overwhelming emergencies due to disasters such as fires, tornadoes or flooding.

White said the grants, which are competitive in nature, range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $100,000. All types of libraries---academic, school, public and special--are eligible to apply for and receive LSTA grants.