Scott County libraries among recipients of Secretary of State grants
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office recently announced that it is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state in an effort to ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents.
Both the Winchester Public Library and Bluffs Public Library were recipients of the Illinois Secretary of State grant funding.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias emphasized the important role public libraries play in education and community development.
“A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said in a press release from the Secretary of State’s office. “From early childhood education to workforce development, libraries empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Properly funding our libraries will ensure that they are able to continue generating an outsized impact in communities across Illinois.”
Giannoulias also emphasized the growing importance of funding libraries on the state and local levels, because the Trump administration is making cuts to federal library funding streams.
In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives nearly $6 million annually – the sixth highest amount of any state.
“We’re doing things differently in Illinois,” Giannoulias added in the same Secretary of State’s office press release. “Instead of cutting funding that would limit learning and prove harmful to Illinois communities, we’re fighting for Illinoisans to ensure they have the funding and resources to learn, grow and explore today and in the future.”
Along with the new funding, Giannoulias’ office also championed legislation in the spring to enable the Secretary of State’s office to issue security grants for libraries throughout the state, ensuring their ability to provide a safe environment for patrons, employees and the community.
In 2023, the office spearheaded first-in-the-nation legislation designed to prevent book banning, which set a nationwide precedent in the fight against a rising tide of censorship and book bans across the country.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in per-capita grants. Funding amounts were calculated according to a statutory formula based on the population of each community.
Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures.
The Bluffs Public Library received $911.55 from this round of Illinois Secretary of State library grant funding, and the Winchester Public Library received $2321.65.
