State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is thrilled to announce that five libraries in his district are set to receive a combined total of over $200,000 for library services and programming. Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures. Five libraries in the district Cervantes represents received over $200,000 in funding, including:

· Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, $28,727

· Cicero Public Library, $125,770

· Lyons Public Library, $15,955

· Riverside Public Library, $15,978

· Stickney-Forest View Public Library, $200,145

Cervantes is currently partnering with these and other local libraries to run a Summer Book Club for young people in his district, offering a pizza party to any children who complete eight books before August 15th.