Joliet Public Library awarded $221,784 Public Library Per Capita grant

Children and families soon will be able to take advantage of more books and other materials at the Joliet Public Library after it was awarded a $221,784 grant to expand its collection, according to a news release from state Sen. Rachel Ventura’s office.

These grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will help provide library services to almost 12 million patrons statewide and about 150,000 Joliet residents. The Joliet Public Library intends to use this funding to increase its collection of local history and Spanish-language materials and for the purchase of e-books.

Public Library Per Capita Grants are authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries. Each year, the state allocates money for books and learning materials, staff, equipment, digital access and new technology.