Illinois Awards $1.3 Million for 2,500 School Libraries

More than $1.3 million in state funding has been awarded to 2,484 public school libraries across Illinois to enhance resources such as books, technology, and programs for K-12 students. Grants are distributed annually based on a formula providing $0.885 per student, with a minimum award of $850 per school, and are funded by the state's General Revenue Fund. Schools in regions like Rockford and the Starved Rock area, as well as major districts such as Chicago Public Schools, Elgin, and Rockford Public School District 205, are among the recipients. The funding aims to ensure equitable access to quality library materials, including multilingual resources and online services, to support student learning and discovery. Librarians and educational leaders have praised the grants, noting their essential role in maintaining and improving school library offerings, particularly where other funding sources are limited. The initiative is seen as a significant investment in the educational futures of Illinois students.