Jesse White Awards More than $1 Million in “Back to Books” Grants

Over 200 libraries awarded

 

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded more than $1 million in “Back to Books” grants to 230 Illinois libraries to acquire fiction and/or non-fiction books, learning CDs and DVDs and other educational materials.

“I am pleased to be able to award these grants that will allow library users to be better educated and entertained,” said White. “Our libraries perform so many essential tasks, but at their core what our libraries do best is make books and other materials available to patrons.”

Libraries submitted applications specifying the types of books and other materials they would purchase if they received funding.   These include:

• Building collections in women’s studies and sociology
• Health sciences books for nursing students
• Books and other materials to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian life
• DVDs to provide training to firefighters
• New materials in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and craftsmanship subjects
• Cultural, geographical and travel books and DVDs
• Spanish language fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, and audiobooks
• Large-print books for senior citizens on topics related to retirement such as health, hobbies, finances, technology and travel

Awards range from $2,500 to $5,000 per library and are made possible by a combination of funds from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and state of Illinois library funds.