Palos Libraries Get Combined State Grants Worth Over $72,000

PALOS, IL —Upgrades to services are coming to Palos libraries thanks to combined state grants worth over $72000 from Secretary of State Jesse White’s office. The money comes from Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants.

Under the act, White has awarded grants totaling $18.1 million to 638 public libraries serving almost 12 million patrons. For more than 40 years, the program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to all residents,” White said in a news release. “I truly believe libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and I am pleased to provide this increased funding to help them serve the public.”

Green Hills Public Library District, serving Palos Hills, was awarded $46,511; the Palos Heights Public Library received $18,459, and the Palos Park Public Libray got $7,149.

The Palos libraries can use the money for a variety of programs and resources, including:

• Large print material for aging patrons.
• Books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs.
• Audiobooks and eBooks.
• Home visit book delivery service.
• New computers, iPads and printers.
• Spanish and dual language materials.
• Expanded access to online resources.
• Adult programming.
• Newsletters, postcards and other promotional materials.

This year, grant money was up to $1.475 per capita from $1.25 the previous year.