Highland Park, Highwood Libraries Land Over $177,000 In State Grants

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Highland Park and Highwood Public Libraries are set to receive a combined $177,345 in state grant money to enhance their services, announced Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois secretary of state and state librarian.

The funding is part of a broader initiative to support libraries across Illinois, ensuring they have the resources to meet the needs of their communities.

As part of a per capita grant funding formula, public libraries received just under $1.50 per person in their service area.

Highland Park will receive $169,811, while Highwood will receive $7,534.

Libraries can use the money for operational needs, such as buying materials for their collections or making capital improvements to their facilities.

"Our libraries are essential hubs that provide our community with access to information and help them broaden their knowledge," said 29th District State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who represents both Highland Park and Highwood.

"By modernizing our libraries, we guarantee that they can adapt to the changing needs of our residents and continue to be indispensable resources for education," Morrison said.

Libraries in the 29th Senate District, which serves more than 188,000 people, received a total of $450,550 in grants, according to Giannoulias's office.

In addition to the funding for Highland Park and Highwood, other recently announced grants for libraries in the district include $97,153 for Indian Trails Public Library, $53,339 for Lake Bluff Public Library, $52,304 for Northbrook Public Library, $28,760 for Lake Forest Public Library, $28,506 for Deerfield Public Library and $13,140 for Glencoe Public Library.

“I'm always excited and encouraged when our libraries receive the additional resources that they truly need to realize their full potential. As community centers of nearly limitless resources, libraries expose people to ideas that challenge notions, provide a safe space to share those ideas, and expand our collective worldview” said State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield).

“Libraries are continuously evolving as centers of congregation and learning, and promote equity in access to information through technology that bridges the digital divide," said Morgan, who maintains his district office in Highwood. "A strong and well-resourced library is a fundamental part of a strong community.”

According to the Secretary of State's Office, equalization aid provides funding to libraries under a formula that makes sure they get a minimum amount of money when local tax revenues fall short of meeting the needs of a community.

Meanwhile, public library construction grants offer financial support for refurbishing and renovating library facilities, ensuring they meet accessibility requirements and sometimes constructing new buildings.

"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."

This year, a new technology grant program was introduced, targeting libraries in communities with lower tax bases, higher population needs and significant poverty levels.

Under the initiative, libraries have two years to spend the grant money on various technological improvements, including hardware, software, digital collections, increased Wi-Fi capacity and adaptive technologies to meet the needs of patrons with disabilities.

Related: After $4.3 Million Renovation, Expanded Highwood Library Reopens