April 22, 2025 – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded more than $1.3 million in grant funding to 2,484 public school libraries across Illinois, including several in Macon and Piatt County.
The grants, issued each spring, are used to support library services for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Schools may use the funds for books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and programs that enhance student learning.
“Illinois students deserve to have access to quality library resources, including learning materials, books and online services at our public schools. Libraries serve as places of knowledge, learning and discovery and this funding will help equip them to educate and inspire our future generations.” Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian.
“The school district library grant is an investment into the futures of all Illinois students. With this funding, library staff provide a rich array of materials, including books, online resources, and technology, to meet the educational needs and spark the interests of all K-12 students in all areas of our state.” Michelle Glatt, Chiddix and Evans Junior High School Librarian and Illinois Library Association Executive Board Director-at-Large.
“Throughout Illinois, school librarians are thankful to receive these grants from Secretary Giannoulias to improve our libraries. In some districts, this funding is the sole source of revenue to purchase books. These grants allow school librarians to continue to bolster their educational offerings, ensuring that all Illinois students have opportunities to learn.” Jacob Roskovensky, Danville School District Librarian and President of The Association of Illinois School Library Educators.
Based on a rate of $0.885 per student and a minimum award of $850 per school, more than $6,000 in total funding was awarded to local school districts. Decatur School District 61 received $4,408.93. Mt. Zion CUSD 3 was awarded $1,889.38, and Warrensburg-Latham CUSD 11 received $1,496.95. Additional $850 grants went to Argenta-Oreana, Arcola, Arthur, Bement, Meridian, Blue Ridge, Sangamon Valley, and Central A&M.
