PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $30,000 to support school library resources across nine school districts in the greater Bloomington-Normal and Peoria areas.
"School libraries are a critical part of a child's learning experience," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This funding ensures that students – no matter their ZIP code – have access to the books, technology and materials they need to learn, grow and thrive."
Through the Secretary of State's School District Library Grant Program, more than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 public school libraries across Illinois. The funding helps libraries purchase books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, and technology.
The following districts in the 46th Senate District received a combined total of nearly $30,000:
- Limestone Central High School District 310 (Bartonville) – $850
- Bloomington School District 87 – $3,828
- East Peoria High School District 309 – $850
- East Peoria School District 86 – $1,173
- Illinois State University Laboratory School District (Normal) – $955
- McLean County Unit School District 5 (Normal) – $10,165
- Peoria Public School District 150 – $10,207
- Pleasant Valley School District 62 (Peoria) – $850
- Washington District 50 Schools – $850
"These grants are a great example of how targeted state investment can make a real difference in our local schools," Koehler said. "I'm proud to support our libraries and the students who rely on them."
A complete list of school library grant recipients can be found here.
