Libraries get $1.3 million for e-books, other materials

Three library systems in Illinois have received government grants to develop their collections with a focus on e-books and other innovative ideas.

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced the grants Tuesday in Chicago at the Illinois Library Association Conference.

The new funding totals nearly $1.3 million. One grant goes to the Illinois Heartland Library System and one to the Reaching Across Illinois Library System to build an e-book service for their member libraries.

Another grant goes to the Chicago Public Library to develop a patron-driven acquisitions program, which will allow library users to request newer hard-copy books and other materials the library doesn’t own.

The grant funds were appropriated by the Illinois Legislature to support library services in the state.