GRAYSLAKE – Thanks to support from State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) to provide assistance to local libraries for pandemic recovery, three facilities in the district she represents will receive more than $150,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services.

“School libraries provide a safe, welcoming space for students to learn and grow,” Bush said. “Some of my fondest memories from grade school were picking out books or participating in library programs with my friends. I wish for all students to have that same opportunity.”

To directly respond to difficulties cause by the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White’s office has allocated funding to hundreds of libraries to expand digital inclusion and prioritize health and safety. The following school libraries in the district Bush represents will receive funding:

• Beach Park CCSD 3: $125,000
• Woodland CCSD 50: $16,325
• Zion-Benton Township High School District 126: $15,144

The libraries were three of 211 academic, school, special and public libraries to receive grants. The money was allocated through a combination of American Rescue Plan Act and Library Service and Technology Act dollars. Beach Park, Woodland and Zion-Benton will use the funding to restore the library’s capacity to offer clean and safe library spaces.

A full list of libraries receiving funding can be found here.