Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded grants totaling $11.9 million to 620 public libraries statewide including several in southeastern Illinois The awarded funds come from the Fiscal Year 2012 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants.

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law and provides for expenses such as paying for materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology. Equalization Aid Grants help certain public libraries which have a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

"I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois' public libraries provide to our communities," White said. "Our public libraries have never been more important to their patrons, serving almost 12 million people. I truly believe public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and I am pleased to help them provide funding to serve the public."

Some of the valuable services public libraries provide include: