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ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin secured more than $27,000 in grants to provide resources for 15 public school libraries in Western Illinois.

“It is vital we continue to ensure our school libraries have the tools and staff they need to uplift Illinois students,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our children’s educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

The following school districts in the 36th District received a total of $27,792:

  • Bushnell-Prairie City CUSD 170 - $850
  • East Moline School District 37 - $2,170
  • Silvis School District 34 - $850
  • United Township High School District 30 - $1,458
  • Galesburg CUSD 205 - $3,217
  • Hampton School District 29 - $850
  • Knoxville CUSD 202 - $850
  • Macomb CUSD 185 - $1,593
  • Moline-Coal Valley School District 40 - $5,912
  • Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 - $1,284
  • United CUSD 304 - $850
  • Orion Community Unit School District 223 - $850
  • Rock Island-Milan School District 41 - $5,086
  • Sherrard CUSD 200 - $1,118
  • Carbon Cliff-Barstow District 36 - $850

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

According to the Illinois Library Association, 67% of children ages 6-17 find books to read from libraries, with children from low income families more likely to get books from school libraries. Schools with librarians have shown increased standardized testing reading scores. School librarians are a key component on teaching digital literacy, online citizenship and internet safety.

View a list of the school libraries that received funding here.