Local libraries to receive $379,000 in state funds

Libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere will benefit from $379,097 in state funds to purchase books and new technology, hire staff and offer digital access to patrons.

Public Library Per Capita Grants made through the Illinois Secretary of State were announced Monday. Based on population served, Rockford Public Library will get $219,000 that Director Lynn Stainbrook said will allow patrons to choose from an expanded and updated collection of reading materials.

"Without the support of the Secretary of State and State Legislature, our ability to buy new children's books, to update our nonfiction collection with accurate health, legal, business, even geographic information -- and to provide for the latest bestsellers -- would be greatly hampered."

State Senator Steve Stadelman said state grants also are headed to: North Suburban Library in Loves Park for $102, 228, Ida Public Library in Belvidere for $37,375 and Cherry Valley Public Library for $20,494.

"Libraries remain a valued source of information for communities across Illinois," Stadelman said. "These funds help ensure our local libraries are able to provide the public with the best available resources."
 

 

IDOT spending $9.5 million to resurface U.S. Bypass 20

Resurfacing of Bypass U.S. 20 between the Rock River and Alpine Road is now underway, including the ramps at the Illinois 251 (11th Street) interchange, guardrail improvements and lighting updates.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction using median crossovers and barrier walls along with staged closures of the Illinois 251 exit ramps and marked detours.

Construction is expected to last through the end of November. The $9.5 million project is part of the six-year Rebuild Illinois plan that State Senator Steve Stadelman supported in 2019.

 

In case you missed me on Facebook ...

Steve Stadelman
May 12 at 5:04 PM

It's always a pleasure to spend quality time in the State Capitol with my friends from the Rockford Park District!
— with Laura Gibbs-Green.

Steve Stadelman
May 10 at 11:05 PM

Congratulations to the RAAC Rockford Area Arts Council on tonight's launch of a year-long process to develop a cultural plan for the Rockford region. The first in a series of engagement opportunities featured a presentation by New York consultants followed by discussions in breakout groups. For more information, visit: https://www.artsforeveryone.com/culturalplan/.