Libraries In Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe Get $40,000 In State Grants

WINNETKA, IL — The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District is set to receive $27,465 in state grant money to enhance its services, while the Glencoe Public Library will receive $13,140, according to an announcement from Alexi Giannoulias, who serves as both 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 just under $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), who represents the Winnetka-Northfield area. “These grants will enhance our libraries' positive impact on people in our neighborhoods."

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

Meanwhile, 29th District State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who represents Glencoe, emphasized how important libraries are to foster community engagement.

“Public libraries are the cornerstones of our communities, providing a safe space for learning and growth,” Morrison said. “This funding will help keep them up to date with the latest technology and resources.”

Those in Morrison’s district, which serves more than 188,000 people, received a total of $450,550 in grants to support local libraries.

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."

In addition to the funding for Winnetka-Northfield and Glencoe, other local grants include $169,811 for Highland Park, $7,534 for Highwood, $115,999 for Evanston, $72,326 for Glenview, $41,847 for Wilmette and $3,734 for Kenilworth.

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.

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