24-04-2025
State of Illinois grants help QCA school libraries with resources
School districts across Illinois are getting state funding to support libraries.
Over $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State's School District Library Grant Program. Districts can use the funds for library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.
'It is vital we continue to ensure our school libraries have the tools and staff they need to uplift Illinois students,' said Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). 'Our children's educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.'
These school districts in the 36th District received a total of $27,792:
Bushnell-Prairie City CUSD 170 – $850
East Moline School District 37 – $2,170
Silvis School District 34 – $850
United Township High School District 30 – $1,458
Galesburg CUSD 205 – $3,217
Hampton School District 29 – $850
Knoxville CUSD 202 – $850
Macomb CUSD 185 – $1,593
Moline-Coal Valley School District 40 – $5,912
Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 – $1,284
United CUSD 304 – $850
Orion Community Unit School District 223 – $850
Rock Island-Milan School District 41 – $5,086
Sherrard CUSD 200 – $1,118
Carbon Cliff-Barstow District 36 – $850
The grants are awarded once every fiscal year and support school library services for over one million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide.
Data from the Illinois Library Association shows 67% of children ages 6-17 find books to read from libraries and children from low-income families are more likely to get books from school libraries. Schools with librarians have seen increased standardized testing reading scores and school librarians are a critical component for teaching digital literacy, online citizenship and internet safety.
Click here to see a list of the libraries that received funding.
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