Metro East Sun

State Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) recently announced that six Metro East area libraries will receive a combined $175,000 in grants from the state to help boost pandemic recovery efforts.

According to a press release from Crowe's office, the money will be used to upgrade the services provided by the libraries.

"Local libraries serve as a vital community resource for literacy, education and growth," Crowe wrote in a Jan. 20 Facebook post.

The Bethalto Public Library, Caseyville Public Library, Hayner Public Library, Illinois Heartland Library, Mississippi Valley Library, and Six Mile Regional Library are all set to receive grants through the almost $6 million initiative put forth by the Illinois Secretary of State, the release stated.

"This funding ensures facilities are equipped to provide opportunities to residents of all ages and allows individuals at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 to continue using services safely," Crowe wrote in her Facebook post. 

Last month Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White's Office announced 211 academic, school, special, and public libraries would receive a total of $5,740,350 in grants, according to a press release from White's office.

“During the ongoing pandemic, libraries have had to retool their services to match the needs of the community and I am honored to be able to provide funding to allow these libraries to expand access to their patrons,” White said in the release. “I applaud the library community in Illinois for their hard work as they continue to provide essential services during this challenging time.”

The grants range from $5,000 to up to a million dollars. 

Money for the grant program came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, Library Services and Technology Act, and state technology funds, the release stated.

According to the press release, grants were awarded under three categories:  bouncing back from the pandemic, expanding digital inclusion, and the road to recovery.