koehlersoslibrarygrantPEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $250,000 to enhance four adult library and literacy programs in Peoria and Bloomington.

“In the current information age, strengthening your literacy and comprehension skills is more important than ever,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This grant funding will ensure local programs can continue to offer programs to improve literacy, which can be transformative for people in our district and our community as a whole.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

The goal of these grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”

“Without strong literacy skills, people may find it difficult to advance their careers, or pursue higher degrees of education,” said Koehler. “I am grateful that our district offers several programs for people to improve their literacy skills for free so they can achieve these goals, and that the Secretary of State’s office has supported their work through this funding.”

The money coming to Koehler’s district will be distributed to these adult literacy programs:

  • Bloomington Regional Office of Education: $92,000
  • Peoria Neighborhood House: $74,483
  • Peoria Public Library: $12,500
  • Peoria Regional Office of Education: $66,570

For a complete list of grant recipients, click here.