Jesse White awards nearly $6 million to libraries focused on pandemic recovery

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded nearly $6 million to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce.

The Staunton Public Library received a grant in the amount of $12,617.

Other libraries in our immediate area receiving grants were: Frank Bertetti Benld Public Library received $6,660; Bunker Hill School District 8 got $23,149; Bunker Hill Public Library District got $8,500; and the Illinois Heartland Library System in Edwardsville, a statewide resource sharing service, received $25,000.

“During the ongoing pandemic, libraries have had to retool their services to match the needs of the community and I am honored to be able to provide funding to allow these libraries to expand access to their patrons,” said White. “I applaud the library community in Illinois for their hard work as they continue to provide essential services during this challenging time.”

A total of $5,740,350 funded 211 academic, school, special and public libraries. Grants were awarded under three categories: Bouncing Back from the Pandemic – Developing Resources for the Local Workforce; Expanding Digital Inclusion – Transforming Library Services; and On the Road to Recovery – Transforming Library Spaces.