We're thrilled to learn that Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias' office is allocating $2 million in grants to support technology upgrades for public libraries in underserved areas. On Tuesday, 113 public libraries were informed that they qualify for these grants, which will be either $27,500 or $12,500, depending on their population size. 

The grants are one of the State of Illinois' many initiatives to close the digital divide, a phenomenon in which economically disadvantaged people are less likely to have access to the internet or the skills required to use it effectively and safely. Libraries play a key role in digital equity efforts on the community level. They provide essential resources like computers, printers, and training to help people access technology and use it effectively. This grant will help recipients become better positioned to bridge the digital divide in their communities.

Eligibility requires communities to be recipients of updated equalization aid grant funding due to a low tax base and a high poverty rate. The money can be used to build an ADA-compliant website or buy new computers, software, e-books, mobile devices, and more. Libraries have until June 14 to apply for the grants and two years to spend the money.