SPRINGFIELD— Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $27 million in grants for public and school libraries across the state to support books, technology, literacy programs, facility improvements and security upgrades. More than $22.6 million will be distributed through Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grants, while another $3.6 million will fund library security and construction projects. An additional $1.3 million has been awarded to more than 2,500 public school libraries. Since taking office in 2023, Giannoulias has directed more than $183 million in grant funding to public libraries, school libraries and adult literacy programs throughout Illinois. Libraries in Ogle County will receive a combined $75,785.90, libraries in Lee County will receive $34,416.50 and libraries in DeKalb County will receive $160,024.40 through the 2026 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.
Ogle County
Byron Public Library District (Byron) — $13,360.30
Creston-Dement Public Library District (Creston) — $1,467.10
Bertolet Memorial Library (Leaf River) — $2,454.80
Mount Morris Public Library (Mount Morris) — $4,863.70
Oregon Public Library District (Oregon) — $10,383.60
Polo Public Library District (Polo) — $4,576.40
Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District (Rochelle) — $22,603.20
Julia Hull District Library (Stillman Valley) — $13,637.40
Forreston Public Library (Forreston) — $2,439.50
Lee County
Pankhurst Memorial Library (Amboy) — $3,872.60
Mills & Petrie Memorial Library and Gymnasium (Ashton) — $1,643.90
Dixon Public Library (Dixon) — $25,965.80
Franklin Grove Public Library (Franklin Grove) — $1,523.20
Paw Paw Public Library District (Paw Paw) — $1,411.00
DeKalb County
Cortland Community Library (Cortland) — $7,476.60
DeKalb Public Library (DeKalb) — $68,493.00
Genoa Public Library District (Genoa) — $8,947.10
Hinckley Public Library District (Hinckley) — $4,618.90
Kirkland Public Library (Kirkland) — $2,805.00
Malta Township Public Library (Malta) — $2,680.90
Flewellin Memorial Library (Shabbona) — $1,467.10
Somonauk Public Library District (Somonauk) — $15,733.50
Sandwich Public Library District (Sandwich) — $13,113.80
Sycamore Public Library (Sycamore) — $31,580.90
Clinton Township Public Library (Waterman) — $3,107.60
