In support of libraries, education and lifelong learning, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced that he has awarded over $21.4 million in grants for library services and over $5.7 million in adult literacy grants for local literacy programs to more than 140 Illinois recipients. Giannoulias awarded the grants to projects that:

• Support educational mentoring programs that engage students in active learning.

• Fund online catalogs and provide resources aimed at narrowing the digital divide.

• Provide educational and training opportunities for library staff.

• Train volunteers who tutor older teens and adults in basic reading, math, writing and language skills.

• Allow access to news and reading materials for those who are vision impaired or have other physical limitations.

The Secretary of State’s office awarded grants for library programs and services using combined state funds and federal Library Services and Technology Act funds. The Adult Literacy Program is funded with state funds and is administered by the Secretary of State’s Illinois State Library Literacy Office.