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January 31, 2008

Pat McGuckin
Henry Haupt

White Announces Nearly 2 Million Students To Benefit From School Library Grants

SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded Fiscal Year 2008 school library per capita grants totaling almost $1.4 million to 718 public school districts. The funds will help provide important library services to nearly 2 million students in more than 3,400 school libraries.

"My office is proud to award these grants every year to help school libraries purchase books and subscriptions to valuable electronic resources, improve technology, and to support student research efforts," White said. "These funds enhance student learning and help school libraries provide high quality services. Illinois was the first state in the nation to enact a public school library per capita grant program, and our program remains an overwhelming success.”

White said studies have proven conclusively that student achievement is positively impacted by the presence of libraries in schools. Students with access to better-staffed libraries, computers connected to library catalogs and databases, and larger, more current book collections do better on tests and have higher test scores.

The grant funds must be used to support the services of the district's school library media program. Funds may not be used for capital improvements such as shelving or wiring. This year's grants provide $0.72 per student to support school library services. Grants are available to tax supported public school districts that are members of one of Illinois' regional library systems.

"School librarians and staff employed in our school libraries work very hard to help students achieve their utmost potential," White said. "I am pleased that this grant program helps keep our school libraries strong, and gives our students access to the essential resources they need to be successful."

School Districts Receiving School Library Grants