3 Arlington Heights Libraries Receive Grant Awards

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Three Arlington Heights libraries are among more than 140 in the state to receive some grant money. In all, Illinois libraries will net $21.4 million in grants for library services, over $5.7 million in adult literacy grants, according to the office of Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian.

The local Arlington Heights grants include:

• The Center (literacy category), $85,000.
• Township High School District 214 Community Education (adult volunteer literacy), $100,000
• Township High School District 214 Community Education (family literacy), $50,000

“As State Librarian, it’s a privilege to provide these resources to support and enhance local library services and adult literacy programs across Illinois,” Giannoulias said in a news release. “Without properly funding programs, staff and educators, learning is difficult. These grants have the ability to position individuals for success and change lives by serving the unique needs of local communities.”

• Support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning.
• Fund online catalogs and provide resources aimed at narrowing the digital divide.
• Provide educational and training opportunities for library staff.
• Train volunteers who tutor older teens and adults in basic reading, math, writing and language skills.
• Enhance family literacy programs for parents and children that focus on basic reading, math, writing and language skills.
• Provide workplace literacy programming to employees of Illinois businesses.
• Allow access to news and reading materials for those who are vision impaired or have other physical limitations.
• Expand free statewide sharing and delivery of materials between libraries and patrons.

The grants come from using combined state funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act funds. The Adult Literacy Program is funded with state funds and is administered by the Secretary of State’s Illinois State Library Literacy Office.

View the library services and literacy program list of grant recipients.