library2 082621PLAINFIELD – Local libraries will soon receive service upgrades thanks to more than $230,000 in grants, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Friday.

“Libraries are a foundational part of every community and ought to be invested in as such,” Loughran Cappel said. “I thank Secretary White for his commitment to maintaining excellent learning environments in every part of the state.”

The $230,344 received by four local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.  

“It’s incredibly important our libraries have what is necessary to keep up with the constantly evolving technology landscape,” Loughran Cappel said. “This funding will ensure our residents have access to modern learning tools.”

The following libraries in the district represented by Loughran Cappel will receive funds:

    • Plainfield Public Library District, $111,122
    • Oswego Public Library District, $90,851
    • Shorewood-Troy Public Library District $28,371

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.