Each year, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias provides millions of dollars to municipalities’ public libraries and those at public schools. Known as per capita grants, they are based on school districts’ enrollment and towns’ populations.
North Chicago is among 88 towns receiving an Equalization Aid Grant, which is designed to “help libraries in communities with lower property tax bases maintain a minimum level of funding for library services,” according to a news release from Giannoulias’ office.
As government property, Naval Station Great Lakes does not pay property taxes. It occupies around 30% of North Chicago. The North Chicago Public Library is receiving a per capita grant of $52,300 and an equalization grant of $154,500, funding more than 25% of its budget.
“This is great news to receive this type of funding,” North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. said Monday. “This will help enhance the library and help with its upkeep and services for the residents of North Chicago and whoever may come visit.”
Libraries in Lake County’s communities and schools are scheduled to receive $1.4 million from the grants announced in June in Springfield by Giannoulias to enhance learning and more across the state.
Across Lake County, 18 municipal libraries and library districts are scheduled to receive $1.28 million, with North Chicago getting $206,700, Waukegan $151,800, the Warren-Newport Library District netting $113,000 and Libertyville’s Cook Memorial Library $104,200.
Among school districts expected to receive grants are Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 ($11,100), Barrington Community Unit School District 220 ($6,800), Lake Zurich School District 95 ($4,900) and Round Lake School District 126 ($5,200).
Lou Carlisle, the director of the North Chicago Public Library, said Monday the money is approximately 25% of the total budget for the year and will enable a significant number of new services and improvements to existing ones.
“We would like to create modules for study rooms students and community members can utilize,” Carlisle said. “We can add a telehealth booth and a business center. We would like to improve the HVAC system in our public meeting room. It will help us add programs.
Carlisle said the Equalization Aid Grant will be a permanent feature of the Secretary of State’s Office’s library program. Eventually, it will help with capital improvements, as well as adding services and programs.
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, helped secure the grants in her district, according to a news release from her office. She said Monday libraries are more than a place where someone can borrow a book or use a computer. They offer a bundle of services, including makerspaces.
“Libraries were the original welcoming hub in our communities, and they still are that today,” Johnson said. “They’re a place for business services where there are resources for people looking for a job. The makerspaces are a place where someone can design a greeting card.”
Tiffany Verzani, the director of the Waukegan Public Library, said a large portion of the $151,800 will be used to enhance the library’s e-book collection. People can use their online account and get an e-book if it is available. They do not need to come to the library to receive it.
“It’s helpful every year,” Verzani said. “It’s a per capita grant, and we are a large community. It will also help with our online database too.”
Lori Massimo, the fine arts coordinator in District 60, said in an email Monday that just as the district receives the grant based on enrollment, each of the 21 schools in the district will receive a pro rata share of the funds. The money will buy books and other library materials.
“This grant helps provide students with equitable access to high-quality, current library resources that support literacy, curriculum and a lifelong love of reading,” she said.
