More than 20–thousand dollars is going to schools and libraries in southern Illinois thanks to the "Back To Books" grant. In a recent news release, Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that the money is going to the Marion Unit School District, Giant City and Unity Point schools in Carbondale and two libraries: Crab Orchard Public Library in Marion and Harrisburg Public Library.
Harrisburg library's Director Krystal Gulley says her library has received $3,400.00 dollars which will go towards buying books. She says even though an e–book program is available, she has noticed that both kids and adults still gravitate toward print books. A spokesperson for Giant City School in Carbondale says they received $2,000 which will enhance the school's popular Makerspace program.
The news release says over 1.2 million dollars was released to 340 public libraries and school districts in Illinois.