Several public libraries and school districts throughout western Illinois will receive more than $600,000 in grant funding for a variety of services, including Bushnell, Colchester and Macomb public libraries, and Macomb and Bushnell school district libraries.
More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding supports libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.
'Libraries are a pillar of education for our young people and present a place of learning and reading enjoyment for the whole community,” said Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I have consistently called for more library and education funding, and I am proud to see these state dollars go toward a good cause.”
In Halpin’s district, 17 public libraries and 16 school districts received funding. Bushnell will receive $6,516, while Macomb Public Library will receive $64,881. Macomb School District #185 is set to get $1,640 and Bushnell- Prairie City School District #170 will receive $850. The Colchester District Library is scheduled to get $8,459.99 “Libraries are one of the best investments we can make in our communities,” Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias said. 'They help children discover a love of reading, connect job seekers with new opportunities, provide critical access to technology and serve as trusted spaces for millions of Illinoisans. These investments reflect our commitment to ensuring every Illinoisan – regardless of ZIP code – has access to quality library services, modern facilities and welcoming spaces while protecting their freedom to learn, read and explore.”
Colchester District Library Director Debra Sullivan shared that while her community's public library has received the per capita grant over the years, the Colchester library is now one of 107 libraries that will receive the Equalization Grant from the state.
'Low property values (EAVs) do not generate enough income for these libraries to perform and offer the kind of services that more prosperous parts of the state do, and this levels the financial playing field some, and is very much needed,' Sullivan noted.
'We will use this funding for books and information! At Colchester, we have traditionally written the per capita grant for adult fiction; however, with the funds from this new grant, we will expand that to improve our collection of print material for everyone: children's read aloud books, early chapters, juvenile fiction and nonfiction, young adult, graphic novels and large print. Additionally, we will focus on providing information services and materials to our patrons electronically.'
BPC Superintendent Bob Gound said that the funding will allow his district to purchase new books, while Macomb School District Library Director plans to use the money for books at Lincoln, Edison, Macomb Middle and Macomb High schools, according to District Librarian Emily Brookman.
The Macomb Public Library will use the $26,741 Public Library Per Capita Grant, which is awarded annually, for the purchase of adult/children’s books, large print books, professional dues, craft for programming and adult coloring, plus reading programs incentives. According to Macomb Library Director Dennis Danowski, the new Equalization Aid Grant in the amount of $38,140 provides additional financial support to public libraries with a low property tax base. The funding will be used to replace almost 50-year-old monitors, upgrade computers in the Children's Library, purchase additional furniture for the children's area, increase library afterschool programs and purchase more learning games, additional adult reading materials, adult crafts and computer software.
Jessica Starcevich, director of the Bushnell Public Library, said her community’s library will use its funding for programming and community engagement, which include in-person programs to support literacy; enhance access to public computers and internet; strengthen the library’s collections to ensure they’re diverse and inclusive; and enhance library spaces.
The funding also builds upon Illinois’ nation-leading efforts to protect access to information and support libraries. In 2023, Illinois became the first state in the nation to prohibit book bans. In 2025, Giannoulias helped create Illinois’ first Library Security Grant Program following a series of bomb threats and other security concerns that targeted libraries across the state. To qualify for the state library grants, libraries and school districts must certify that they are compliant with the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which prevents the removal of materials based solely on partisan, political or ideological objections.
West Prairie School District No. 103 did not receive grant funding as the school board did not vote to certify compliance with the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, with select board members arguing the high school library was a 'media center.' According to Curt Rheingans, West Prairie's new superintendent, at present, the policy will remain in place as voted on by the Board of Education in March 2024.
Macomb Public Library
