Lemont Library Receives $24K From Pandemic Funding

LEMONT, IL — The Lemont Public Library is among a number in the state to receive money from the state for putting a focus on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White made the announcement Thursday.

"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," White said. "I applaud the library community in Illinois for their hard work as they continue to provide essential services during this challenging time."

Lemont Library will receive $24,984.

"The Expanding Digital Inclusion: Transforming Library Services grant was awarded to the Lemont Public Library District to provide safe service models for remote learning, professional correspondence, and digital library usage during the COVID-19 pandemic," Justin Williams, Adult Services Manager, awardee of the grant, said. "Funds are currently being used to purchase a solar-powered smart table to provide electricity and internet at an outdoor location in our community and a circulating collection of mobile hotspots for those unable to access library services in-person due to fear of COVID transmission. This award was given based on careful research of at-risk individuals in our community and an assessment of our budgetary needs in relation to the demand of technology we currently lack."

A total of $5,740,350 funded 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, all of which received grants ranging from $5,000 to over $1 million. A combination of funding sources provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act and Library Services and Technology Act, both from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and state technology funds were used to maximize the statewide impact.

Grants were awarded under three categories:

• Bouncing Back from the Pandemic — Developing Resources for the Local Workforce: Projects focus on providing essential resources, so jobseekers can access employment services and training to build the necessary skills to become job ready. Thirty libraries received $730,730.
• Expanding Digital Inclusion — Transforming Library Services: Projects focus on restoring services and enhancing digital inclusion efforts focused on circulating internet hotspots, laptops and other devices that support pandemic recovery. Forty-seven libraries received $809,409.
• On the Road to Recovery: Transforming Library Spaces — Projects focus on academic, public, school and special libraries that prioritize health and safety while focusing on restoration of the library's capacity to operate and offer clean, safe library spaces while preventing the spread of COVID-19. One hundred thirty-four libraries received a total of $4,200,211.