State officials announce 65 public library grants

SPRINGFIELD — Dozens of libraries statewide will receive about $4,000 each to help businesses and entrepreneurs with new economic opportunities.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Tuesday that 65 Illinois public libraries will get equipment, hardware and software. The idea is to create economic growth.

The money comes from a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Communities getting the public library grants include Bloomington, Brookfield, Decatur, Galesburg, St. Charles. The equipment includes DVD players, camcorders, laptops and projectors.

The libraries were selected because of local unemployment rates, poverty and statewide geographic distribution.

In announcing the grants, White said libraries are the cornerstones of their communities.