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July 12, 2006

Pat McGuckin
Randy Nehrt

White Announces Public Libraries May Apply For Construction Grants

SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that public libraries with infrastructure improvement needs may apply for a Live and Learn construction grant being offered by the Illinois State Library.

White said the FY07 budget for the Secretary of State's office contains approximately $600,000 to make grants to public libraries for capital improvements.

"These grants are designed to help public libraries pay for the cost of projects such as remodeling for handicapped accessibility, new carpeting, interior or exterior painting, and in some cases new construction or additions to existing buildings," White said. "I am especially pleased that we were able to procure an additional $250,000 over last year to make more construction grants to libraries. Many of our public libraries simply don't have sufficient financial resources to pay for essential capital improvements on their own. I am delighted that we can award these grants to help maintain our public libraries as cornerstones of their communities."

White said three types of grants are available under the program:

• Remodeling for Accessibility. These grants are designed to help libraries meet state and federal requirements that libraries be accessible to persons with disabilities. Grants range from $2,500 to $50,000. The State's share shall be 50 percent of the project's total cost, for a maximum of $50,000.
• Mini-grants. These grants are limited to public libraries with limited funds. This category is based upon the taxing base of the library and the income available to the library. The per capita income rate for eligible public libraries has been increased from $10 to $12. Mini-grants are typically used for carpeting, painting, minor repairs, heating and air conditioning and other similar projects. The grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 and do not require a match by the public library. Libraries should contact their regional library system or the Illinois State Library to determine if they qualify for this grant.
• New construction, additions to and/or remodeling of existing buildings, and conversion of buildings not currently used for library services. The State's share shall be a maximum of 50% of the project's total cost, for a maximum of $125,000. Grants start at $25,000.

Libraries must submit a letter of intent to the State Library indicating they wish to apply for a grant by Tuesday, August 1. All applications must be postmarked or delivered to the State Library by September 1, 2006. Applicants must be members of one of the state's regional library systems, and only public libraries that have not received construction grants since July 1, 2003 are eligible. Complete information about the grant program and all forms can be found at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/what_we_do/constructgrant.html.