Jesse White awards over $526,000 in Project Next Generation Grants

Aug 29, 2018 4:36 PM Save

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded $526,790 in 2019 Project Next Generation (PNG) grants to 31 public libraries statewide. PNG is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Project mentors work with middle and high school students as the participants develop skills to use various technologies, achieve success through project based learning and gain life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution.

“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said White. “I established this innovative program when I first became Secretary of State to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library.”

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PNG grant recipients include the following public libraries:

Alpha Park Public Library District (Bartonville) – $21,935
Anne West Lindsey District Library (Carterville) – $25,928
Beardstown Houston Memorial Public Library – $15,166
Bradley Public Library District – $27,000
Brimfield Public Library District – $21,770
Carbondale Public Library – $17,468
Centralia Regional Library District – $8,000
Chicago Public Library – $40,000
Chicago Ridge Public Library – $5,740

· Decatur Public Library – $14,600

· Elmwood Park Public Library – $12,500

Geneseo Public Library District – $13,650
Glen Carbon Centennial Library District – $12,300
Grande Prairie Public Library District (Hazel Crest) – $20,950
Harrisburg Public Library District – $8,840
Joliet Public Library – $39,989

Kankakee Public Library – $17,000
Kewanee Public Library District – $12,100
LaSalle Public Library – $15,000

· Lincoln Library (Springfield) – $10,759

Marion Carnegie Library – $19,875
Matteson Area Public Library District – $18,700
Mississippi Valley Library District (Collinsville) – $17,180

· Moline Public Library – $9,350

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· North Riverside Public Library District – $25,390

· Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch – $12,500

· Pinckneyville Public Library – $10,000

· Richton Park Public Library District – $12,500

Robert R. Jones Public Library District (Coal Valley) – $15,000

· Sparta Public Library – $12,500

· Thornton Public Library – $13,100

Recipients were awarded grants from the Illinois State Library using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations. For more information, visit http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/png.html.