Chambana Sun

State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is celebrating grants given to 52nd District libraries totaling nearly $65,000.

“The University of Illinois and Catlin Public Library will receive nearly $65,000 in combined grants to grow and enhance their services,” Bennett posted on Facebook. “These vital funds will help equip these libraries with the resources to give our students the opportunity to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced millions in grants would be heading to local libraries. In all, $5,740,350 was set aside from the American Rescue Act Plan to fund 211 academic, school, special and public libraries, with each of the institutions receiving anywhere from $5,000 to over $1 million.

“Our libraries serve as pillars in our communities, bringing people together by providing programs and services,” Bennett said in a press release. “These grants will help us preserve these important institutions and support their initiatives to educate and enhance our communities.”

Bennett said two University of Illinois libraries are set to receive in the neighborhood of $25,000 and the Catlin Public Library District is poised to receive $14,783.

Bennett said that needs to be just the start.

“Our libraries are in need of more services to help their communities,” he said.

According to White, grants were awarded under three categories:
 • Bouncing Back from the Pandemic -- Developing Resources for the Local Workforce: Projects focus
 on providing essential resources so job seekers can access employment services and training to build the necessary skills to become job ready. Thirty libraries received $730,730.
 • Expanding Digital Inclusion -- Transforming Library Services: Projects focus on restoring services and enhancing digital inclusion efforts focused on circulating internet hotspots, laptops and other devices that support pandemic recovery. Forty-seven libraries received $809,409.
 • On the Road to Recovery: Transforming Library Spaces: Projects focus on academic, public, school and special libraries that prioritize health and safety while focusing on restoration of the library’s capacity to operate and offer clean, safe library spaces while preventing the spread of COVID-19. One hundred thirty-four libraries received a total of $4,200,211.