Several Illinois Quad Cities literacy and library programs will get a boost from $300,000 in state grants to enhance their programs.
“Our libraries and their programs underpin a community where everyone has access to resources to bolster their education,” State Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, said in a news release announcing the grants. “With this funding, our neighbors will be able to continue their efforts in improving their reading, writing, math and English literacy skills.”
The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias. He received nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.
The goal of the library grants is to enhance online catalogs, support day-to-day operations, expand inter-library loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.
Grant recipients
Awardees in the 36th Senate District include:
- Black Hawk College, $49,000.
- Regional Office of Education No. 33, $172,153 33.
- Board of Trustees of WIU, $36,968.
- Moline Public Library, $16,000.
- APRIS, Augustana Public Radio Information Service, $28,613.
- Rock Island Public Library, $5,950.
“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Mr. Giannoulias said in the release.
“Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”
To learn more about the Adult Volunteer Literacy grant program, click here.
