SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias led a legislative effort to change the library Equalization Aid Grant formula, increasing the eligibility from 17 serving 77,000 residents to 108 public libraries serving more than 700,000 residents across the state while freeing up additional funds. “While the federal government seeks to scrap programs and slash critical funding for libraries nationwide, Illinois is investing in our residents and communities,” Giannoulias said. “As a result, more underserved and rural libraries will have access to new funding, quality library materials and essential services. Now more than ever, libraries serve as pillars of our communities, and it’s essential they have the financial support and resources to enable them to thrive.” Since the 1960

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