Despite looming spending cuts for libraries, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said this is not the time to turn our backs on these local institutions of learning and discovery.
“A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said during a press conference July 1 at the Prairie Trails Public Library in Burbank.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state to ensure access to quality resources and programming for residents throughout Illinois.
The grants are occurring despite the fact that the Trump administration called for federal cuts in March to library budgets nationwide. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries coast to coast.
Illinois receives $6 million annually — the sixth highest amount of any state.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul — as part of a coalition of attorneys general nationwide — sued the Trump administration in April over the attempt to dismantle funding for libraries and museums.
“We’re doing things differently in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “Instead of cutting funding that would limit learning and prove harmful to Illinois communities, we’re fighting for Illinoisans to ensure they have the funding and resources to learn, grow and explore today and in the future.”
Giannoulias was accompanied at the press conference by Mary Ann Lema, director of the Prairie Trails Library; Burbank Mayor David Gilgenberg II, state Rep. Lisa Davis (D-32nd); Rene Leyva, director of Fossil Ridge Library in Braidwood and president of the Illinois Library Association; and Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown.
“I’m excited to be here,” Giannoulias said. “Being the Secretary of State means that I’m also the state librarian.”
Lema was appreciative of the per-capita grant of $44,804 that will allow for more resources for e-learning and computer technology and hardware. The library serves a population of 30,376 and Lema said they provide resources for diverse patrons with books in Arabic, Polish and Spanish.
According to the Secretary of State’s office, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in per-capita grants. Funding is based on the population of each community. The office will issue over $1 million in technology grants to libraries in underserved communities.
The Secretary of State’s office is also awarding nearly $1 million in construction grants to start new projects and make additions to existing buildings or remodel for accessibility.
Davis said she was excited with the grants since her district covers Burbank and extends into Hickory Hills as well as Chicago’s Southwest Side. A resident of Chicago’s Scottsdale community and mother of three said that libraries are important for their accessibility and source of learning.
“The Prairie Trails Library will better provide services for families and older adults who want to hang out here,” Davis said. “That is a good thing.”
Leyva, who previously served as the marketing manager from 2015 through 2019 at the Palos Park Library, said that families are better served through these grants.
“It allows for expanded services and makes it easier for families to be better served through online programs,” Leyva said.
Along with the new funding, Giannoulias’ office championed legislation in the spring to enable the Secretary of State’s office to issue security grants for libraries throughout the state to provide a safe environment for patrons and employees.
In 2023, the office spearheaded the first ever legislation designed to prevent book banning in the fight against a rising tide of censorship and book bans that have occurred in other areas of the country.
Chicago Public Library will receive $4,559,004 in grant money.
Suburban libraries receiving per-capita grants include Chicago Ridge ($21,288), Evergreen Park ($29,415), Green Hills ($48,983), Oak Lawn ($86,083), Palos Heights ($17,800), Palos Park ($7,226), Bridgeview ($25,114), Justice ($21,216), Bedford Park ($1,160), Brookfield ($28,727), Hodgkins ($2,218), Hometown ($6,405), Lyons ($15,955), Orland Park ($86,586), Summit ($16,465), and Worth ($16,180).
Giannoulias applauded the efforts of library directors, board members, employees and patrons for their roles in advancing the roles of these places of learning.
“That is what makes libraries special,” Giannoulias said. “They are our heroes.”
Click here for a complete list of libraries and their grants.