ChildLibrary350SPRINGFIELD – Public libraries in Bartonville and Peoria are the recipients of mentoring grants from the Illinois secretary of state, State Senator Dave Koehler announced.

Recipients and grant amounts include:

  • Alpha Park Public Library District in Bartonville — $21,935
  • Peoria Public Library — $12,500

The grants were awarded through the 2019 Project Next Generation program, which is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Mentors work with middle and high school students to help them develop skills needed to use technology and find success through project-based learning. Mentors also help with developing life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

Peoria and Alpha Park are two of 31 public libraries in the state to receive the grants.

“There is never a down side to investing in mentoring and engaging at-risk youth to find their potential,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “I appreciate that the secretary of state understands the value of public libraries and continues to provide support for them and the work they do.”

In all, the secretary of state awarded more than $526,000 in Project Next Generation grants statewide. The money is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.

“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. “I established this innovative program when I first became secretary of state to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library.”

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/PNGgrants.