New Lenox Public Library To Receive $59,000 In Grant Money

Library districts are receiving grant funding to help ensure all residents have access to quality resources and programming, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced.

Libraries throughout the 19th Senate District, serving over 263,000 people, are receiving a combined $419,293 in grants — after eligibility for new technology grant funding was announced earlier this summer.

New Lenox Public Library will receive $59,539 in grant funds, according to a release.

"Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents," Giannoulias said.
"Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives."

"Libraries offer more than just books – they host exciting programs and play a crucial role in fostering success and learning at every phase of life," said State Sen. Michael Hastings (19th District—Frankfort). "When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in the triumph of our students, adult learners and the entire community."

"Our residents deserve access to the best library materials and programming available and providing these grants will ensure just that,” said State Representative Patrick Sheehan (37th District—Lockwood). “With these grants, our local libraries will be able to purchase new books and technology while increasing accessibility. I am thrilled that the people of the 37th District, especially our younger residents, will be better equipped to grow and learn thanks to these new grants."

"I'm looking forward to the beneficial change this additional funding will provide for our libraries and our residents," said State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin (38th District-Olympia Fields)."Libraries provide our residents with an amazing access to information and foster a true passion for knowledge."

The grants, awarded throughout Illinois, included annual per capita and equalization aid grant funding, public library construction grants and one-time newly created technology grants to help libraries most in need to upgrade their technology infrastructure.

• Homer Township (Homer Glen) — $60,527
• Mokena — $29,610
• Frankfort — $50,135
• Grande Prairie (Hazel Crest) — $71,577
• Matteson Area — $28,985
• Orland Hills (Tinley Park) — $10,236
• Olympia Fields — $7,006
• Richton Park — $18,562
• Tinley Park — $83,116

Public Library Per Capita Grants are awarded annually to support local public library services. This year, public libraries received just under $1.50 per person in their service area. Public libraries can use this funding for operational needs, including purchasing materials for their library collections and capital improvements to their facilities.

Equalization Aid funding is awarded under a statutory formula to provide a minimum level of funding when local funding through taxes is too low to meet the service population’s base needs.
Public Library Construction Grant funding allows libraries to address refurbishing and renovation of existing facilities; assure compliance with accessibility standards; and even build new facilities.
Under the new technology grant initiative, eligible public libraries were determined by review of their local tax base in comparison to the population that is served and also the poverty level of the community.

Libraries have two years to expend the technology grants to help fund things such as adding hardware and software, expanding online collections and e-resources, purchasing digital devices and mobile apps, increasing Wi-Fi capacity and internet accessibility, incorporating patron self-checkouts, and assuring ADA compliance for library websites and purchasing adaptive technologies that accommodate service needs for persons with disabilities.