Schaumburg library grant to help small businesses

Schaumburg Township businesses will benefit from new free resources available from the Schaumburg Township District Library, thanks to a grant from Secretary of State and state librarian Jesse White. The “Business and Libraries Working Together” grant was given to more than 60 Illinois public libraries to assist local small businesses and entrepreneurs.Library Director Stephanie Sarnoff said the grant will provide #147;business packages#148; that include equipment (laptop computers, DVD players, projectors, video cameras), software (planning and office functions) and training videos (office safety, sexual harassment, hostile workplace).#147;We are thrilled to receive this grant because it will provide wonderful resources to our business community,#148; Sarnoff said. #147;We know small businesses struggling in this economy. Having free resources available from the library will be a real asset to our local entrepreneurs.#148;Secretary White explained that public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and #147;partnerships such as this between libraries, small businesses and aspiring employers can hopefully spur economic development and job creation in communities like Schaumburg Township.#148; Funding for the business packages was obtained by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, through a $300,000 appropriation to the Small Business Administration. #147;Small businesses are key to our economic recovery,#148; Durbin said. #147;With these new resources and continued support from local public libraries, businesses throughout Illinois will grow and local economies will improve.#148;Local business owners interested in using the new business packages should contact the library#146;s business liaison, Alicia Hammond, at (847) 923-3334.