Everyone –

In case you might have missed the announcement, I thought I would forward this information from the ISL E-news regarding an IL Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant for public libraries.   A number of SWAN libraries qualify for this grant. 

“The Illinois State Library (ISL) was recently informed about a grant opportunity from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) for public libraries to receive up to $75,000 in funding to establish a Community Technology Center. To be eligible for funding, a public library must be located in a community where not less than 40 percent of students are eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics; or where not less than 30 percent of students are eligible for a free lunch under the National School Lunch Statistics.

ISL has already analyzed the National School Lunch Statistics data provided by DCEO and created a PDF of eligible public libraries that may be found with other information about the grant offering at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/eliminatedigitaldivide.html. Please review the PDF to determine your public library’s eligibility status.

There is a very quick turnaround time for applications as the deadline for submission to DCEO is March 14, 2014, at 5 p.m. The Illinois State Library will not be applying directly on behalf of a group of public libraries; however, the State Library will assist public libraries with any questions regarding the application and grant administration procedures. The State Library has scheduled a conference call for eligible public libraries on February 25, 2014, at 9 a.m. Please call 888-494-4032 to participate in the conference call. The access code is 3886075450. For further information, please contact ISL at 217-558-3752.”

Kate Boyle

SWAN Member Services Manager
125 Tower Drive
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
630-734-5162

kate.boyle@railslibraries.info
http://support.swanlibraries.net