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March 15, 2007

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

White Awards $14.1 Million in Grants To Public Libraries

SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded Illinois public libraries almost $14.2 million in fiscal year 2007 per capita and equalization aid grants.

White said 633 public library per capita grants were allocated at a rate of $1.22 per resident. 10 public libraries with a low library tax base will receive equalization aid grants to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

"Illinois' public libraries are truly cornerstones of our communities, places where all citizens can go for informational, educational or entertainment purposes," White said. "This funding helps ensure that public libraries have the resources to address the needs of their citizens."

Illinois citizens will benefit from the grants being awarded to public libraries this year. Libraries count on these per capita grants for important expenses such as paying for books, personnel, equipment, and electronic access.

Over the course of the next two years, as a requirement to receive a public library per capita and equalization aid grant, White said recipients are being asked to detail their plans for dealing with a disaster. Additionally, at least one member of the library board of trustees must attend a continuing education event and share information from the event with other trustees.

"It is vitally important for public libraries to have a plan in place to deal with any type of disaster," White said. Many libraries have developed comprehensive disaster plans, but all libraries need to have such plans in place. A fire, tornado, flood or other catastrophe can impact patron safety or seriously disrupt the service citizens expect from their public library.

The Illinois State Library and the regional library systems and organizations such as the Illinois Library Association offer outstanding training and continuing education programs about library issues. White said patrons benefit when library trustees learn the most up to date information before making decisions that impact library policies.

FY2007 Illinois Public Library Per Capita Grants