August 27, 2023 – Decatur is receiving $135,000 in grants from the Secretary of State’s office to support literacy efforts. Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias says the funds are part of over $21.4 million in grants for library services and over $5.7 million in adult literacy grants for local literacy programs to more than 140 Illinois recipients.
Locally, $50,000 is being awarded to Baby TALK, Inc and $85,000 is being awarded to Richland Community College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy program.
“As State Librarian, it’s a privilege to provide these resources to support and enhance local library services and adult literacy programs across Illinois,” said Giannoulias. “Without properly funding programs, staff and educators, learning is difficult. These grants have the ability to position individuals for success and change lives by serving the unique needs of local communities.”
Giannoulias awarded the grants to projects that:
• Support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning.
• Fund online catalogs and provide resources aimed at narrowing the digital divide.
• Provide educational and training opportunities for library staff.
• Train volunteers who tutor older teens and adults in basic reading, math, writing, and language skills.
• Enhance family literacy programs for parents and children that focus on basic reading, math, writing and language skills.
• Provide workplace literacy programming to employees of Illinois businesses.
• Allow access to news and reading materials for those who are vision-impaired or have other physical limitations.
• Expand free statewide sharing and delivery of materials between libraries and patrons.
