CHAMPAIGN – With help from State Senator Paul Faraci, state funding has been awarded to public school libraries across Champaign County as part of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ statewide initiative to strengthen library resources for students.
“This funding ensures libraries across the state, including right here in Champaign County, have the tools they need to support students,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Every student deserves access to a strong school library filled with resources that open doors to learning and opportunity.”
The grants, awarded in the spring of every fiscal year, support school library services for Illinois students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. Resources and services supported through the grants include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.
Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program is appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. In Champaign County, and Faraci’s district, four school libraries received funding:
- Champaign School District: $8,776
- Urbana School District: $3,283
- Rantoul City Schools: $1,351
- Rantoul Township High School: $850
“Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools,” Giannoulias said. “Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.”
View a full list of grant recipients here.
