Grundy Reporter

Last week, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced the allocation of nearly $18 million in Public Library Per Capita Grants to 639 public libraries across Illinois. These grants are distributed annually to assist libraries in providing essential resources and services to their communities.

The funding amounts are calculated using a statutory formula that considers each library's service population. Libraries can utilize these funds for various purposes, including acquiring books and multilingual materials, e-books, internet access, staff support, programming like summer reading initiatives, and even capital improvements.

To be eligible for these grants, libraries must be recognized as “Full Member Libraries” within their regional library systems. The next deadline for applications is January 30, 2026.

For more information about the Public Library Per Capita Grants, interested parties can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website.

Libraries in the 38th District receiving grants include DeKalb Public Library, Ladd Public Library District, LaSalle Public Library, Marseilles Public Library, Morris Area Public Library, Charles B. Phillips Public Library District, Oglesby Public Library District, Oswego Public Library District, Reddick Public Library District, Peru Public Library, Plano Community Library District, Sandwich Public Library District, Robert W. Rowe Public Library District Somonauk Public Library District Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library Utica Public Library District Clinton Township Public Library Yorkville Public Library.