Wilmette, Kenilworth Libraries Receive Over $45,000 In State Grants

WILMETTE, IL — The Wilmette Public Library is set to receive $41,847 in state grant money to enhance its services, while the Kenilworth Public Library District has been allocated $3,734, according to Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois secretary of state and state librarian.

The funding is part of a broader initiative to support libraries across Illinois. As part of a per capita grant funding formula, public libraries received nearly $1.50 per person in their service area.

Libraries can use the money for operational needs, such as buying materials for their collections or making capital improvements to their facilities.

“Libraries are the cornerstone of our communities and give our residents the opportunity to access endless knowledge and information,” said 9th District State Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview).

“These grants will enhance our libraries' positive impact on people in our neighborhoods,” Fine said.

Those in Fine's district, which serves over 176,000 residents, received a combined $261,365 in grants.

"Libraries provide so much more than books; they are community centers and technology hubs," said 18th District State Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston).

"Library grants are a great way to support their efforts," Gabel said, "and I look forward to seeing the upgrades in tech and programming."

In addition to the funding for Wilmette, other local grants include $115,999 for Evanston, $72,326 for Glenview and $27,465 for Winnetka-Northfield.

According to the Secretary of State's Office, equalization aid provides funding to libraries under a formula that makes sure they get a minimum amount of money when local tax revenues fall short of meeting the needs of a community.

Meanwhile, public library construction grants offer financial support for refurbishing and renovating library facilities, ensuring they meet accessibility requirements and sometimes constructing new buildings.

"Libraries throughout the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programming to Illinois residents," Giannoulias said. "Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing opportunities for children and adults to enrich their lives."

This year, a new technology grant program was introduced, targeting libraries in communities with lower tax bases, higher population needs and significant poverty levels.

Under the initiative, libraries have two years to spend the grant money on various technological improvements, including hardware, software, digital collections, increased Wi-Fi capacity and adaptive technologies to meet the needs of patrons with disabilities.

Related: Wilmette Library Pays $246,000 To Replace Servers, Renew Network Contract