MONTGOMERY, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, secured over $682,000 in the state budget for five public libraries and seven school libraries in the 83rd district.
“Libraries remain a vital pillar of our community. They are not only hubs for reading and education, but also technology and innovation,” said Hanson. “These grants allow our libraries to continue operating as a safe haven for people of all ages, whether you’re there to pick up a good book, do some research, or attend an event.”
In the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, over $27 million in grants were awarded to more than 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries across the state. These grants will be used to improve infrastructure, expand reading materials, advance technology, and support any and all programs that may be held at public or school libraries. Specifically, school libraries will use the grants to progress student literacy and educational opportunities for children of all ages.
“Especially in our rapidly advancing technological world, it’s important that young people are able to ground themselves through the resources libraries provide. Misinformation is abundant; having the tools to research and to think critically stem from literacy and education. I’m excited to see these grants go to so many libraries in the 83rd and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this support will have,” said Hanson.
In Hanson’s district, five public libraries and seven school districts received grants, including:
- Aurora Public Library District – $306,921
- Batavia Public Library District – $44,635
- Batavia CUSD 101 – $4,229
- East Aurora CUSD 131 – $10,160
- Geneva Public Library District – $55,744
- Geneva CUSD 304 – $4,284
- Oswego CUSD 308 – $14,220
- Oswego Public Library District – $119,863
- St. Charles Public Library District – $95,011
- St. Charles CUSD 303 – $9,908
- West Aurora CUSD 129 – $9,231
- Yorkville CUSD 115 – $5,937