SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

The grants for library services include funding to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary 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.

“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,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”

While libraries in other states face attempts to significantly decrease budgets, reduce hours and services, and restrict materials, Illinois libraries have received more than $104 million in grant funds to expand library services under Giannoulias’ administration during the past 18 months.

The most recent grant funding includes:

More than $18 million allocated to library systems across the state. Libraries systems use this funding to support day-to-day operations and assure resource sharing occurs between public, school, academic and special libraries, which enables library patrons across Illinois to request materials from any participating library free-of-charge. Last fiscal year, more than 11 million items were shared between libraries throughout the state.

Nearly $5.8 million in literacy grants that support adult, family and workplace literacy programs awarded to volunteer organizations, community colleges and school districts, and not-for-profit entities.

More than $2.3 million to expand online catalogues and interlibrary resource sharing between public, school, academic, and special libraries, providing more variety in the types of resources Illinoisans can access.

More than $500,000 for technology-focused mentorship programs at public libraries to help middle and high school students.

More than $350,000 to provide narration of local newspaper content to individuals who cannot read standard print material due to visibility challenges or other accessibility needs.

Nearly $50,000 to support veteran’s home libraries that provide books, magazines, computers and internet access to veterans in long-term care and their spouses.

The Secretary of State’s office awarded grants for library and literacy programs using combined state funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

A complete list of grants can be found here: