- Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 08:53 AM
Library to use funds for Spanish language books and resources
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16th) congratulated the Hodgkins Public Library on winning a $5,000 grant this week. “Back to Books” grants, awarded by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, allow libraries to purchase new materials for patrons and are paid for with a combination of federal and state library funds.
“The Hodgkins Public Library put together an impressive application for its Back to Books grant, and I’m excited about the new opportunities these funds will provide for learners of all ages, including Spanish speakers,” Collins said. “Libraries are central to our communities, offering not only great books but links to social services and other local resources.”
In Hodgkins, librarians discovered a troubling disparity: Latinos made up 47 percent of the town’s population, but only 3 percent of the public library’s printed materials were in Spanish.
“Our collection wasn’t reflecting the recent increase in our Latino population,” Hodgkins Public Library director Lisa Waskin said. “We will be able to use the grant money to purchase Spanish language and bilingual materials, as well as resources for native English speakers who want to learn Spanish.”
Secretary White announced that more than $1 million in Back to Books grants have been awarded to more than 200 libraries statewide for fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs and educational materials.