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January 27, 2005

Randy Nehrt
Dave Druker

White Awards Library Construction Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White today awarded fiscal year 2005 Live and Learn Library Construction grants to nine public libraries for essential refurbishing and to provide greater accessibility to persons with physical disabilities.

"This is a competitive grant program that assists libraries with infrastructure needs, and I am pleased the Live and Learn program can help complete these projects," White said. "Some of these grants will help libraries install new furnishings, paint the interior or exterior of their building, or complete other similar refurbishing projects. Other grants are designed specifically for remodeling an existing building to bring it into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the Illinois Accessibility Code. Our libraries are cornerstones of our communities that require periodic infrastructure improvements, and the Live and Learn program is designed specifically to address those capital improvement concerns."

Mini-grants that are awarded for remodeling or refurbishment do not require any local match, with a maximum grant of $25,000. ADA grants require 50 per cent local matching funds, and the maximum award is $50,000.

The nine libraries receiving fiscal year 2005 grants are:

• Abingdon John Mosser Public Library District, $19,500 mini-grant for new shelving in the children's department, replacing the book return, replacing window coverings and repainting ceilings.
• Elkville Rick Warren Memorial Public Library District, $22,025 mini-grant to update the interior and exterior of the building, removing interior non-support walls to create one large room and tuck-pointing exterior brick.
• Lawrenceville Lawrence Public Library District, $24,900 accessibility mini-grant to reconstruct the ramp leading into the library.
• Olive Branch Dodge Memorial Public Library, $24,975 mini-grant to convert one non-compliant restroom into a fully accessible restroom for persons with physical disabilities.
• Vandalia Evans Public Library District, $25,000 mini-grant to install a new circulation desk, add four cubicles and two additional computer tables.
• Clarendon Hills Public Library, $20,480 accessibility grant to install power-assisted doors.
• Dundee Township Public Library District, $14,000 accessibility grant to bring restrooms into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Pana Carnegie/Schuyler Library, $50,000 accessibility grant to add a handicapped entrance.
• Pekin Public Library, $50,000 accessibility grant to construct new, larger restrooms to accommodate handicapped patrons.