Rock Island Public Library Wins State Grant

Rock Island Public Library Logo

The Rock Island Public Library, Rock Island, IL, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant for fiscal year 2022 from the Illinois State Library to help it transform library spaces for COVID resilience.

The library applied for the grant funding to help it welcome patrons back to its Downtown and Southwest Library locations with enhanced comfort, privacy, and service.

"Part of COVID resilience is the ability to move programming and other services into outdoor spaces, and to allow for better social distancing and privacy in our interior spaces," said Malachi Kohlwey, Rock Island Public Library building and facilities director.

Using grant funding, the library plans to provide outdoor spaces for programming and WIFI access, purchase carrel-type seating for socially-distant study, and provide charging lockers and hubs for more convenient charging of mobile technology.

"With at least one facility built and renovated before technology became so prevalent, our patrons sometimes have to find creative ways to charge laptops and other personal devices," added Kohlwey. "As part of providing vibrant, more comfortable environment for our patrons, we want to offer more intentional, convenient places to help people stay connected."

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA.) Grant funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis through September 30, 2022. Purchasing for the grant will begin in spring or early summer of this year.

Article Type: