ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin recently announced over $300,000 is coming to the area to enhance adult volunteer literacy and library programs.
“Our libraries and their programs underpin a community where everyone has access to resources to bolster their education,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this funding, our neighbors will be able to continue their efforts in improving their reading, writing, math and English literacy skills.”
The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.
The goal of these grants is 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.
Awardees in the 36th Senate District include:
- Black Hawk College:$49,000
- Regional Office of Education 33: $172,153 33
- Board of Trustees of WIU: $36,968
- Moline Public Library: $16,000
- APRIS, Augustana Public Radio Information Service: $28,613
- Rock Island Public Library: $5,950
“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.”
To learn more about the Adult Volunteer Literacy grant program, click here.