Farmington library receives state grant

The Farmington Area Library District has been chosen as one of 65 Illinois public libraries to receive almost $4,000 worth of equipment, hardware, and software to help businesses and entrepreneurs in their communities create new economic growth opportunities.

Secretary of State and State Librarian thanked U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) for obtaining the $300,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that will finance the technology packages.

“Our public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, and partnerships such as this between libraries, businesses and entrepreneurs can hopefully result in new jobs and increased economic development,” said White. “These technology packages represent new tools that our public libraries can use to assist the citizens in our state. I applaud Senator Durbin for securing these funds for this important project.”

“Small businesses are key to our economic recovery,” Durbin said. “The equipment purchased as a result of the SBA grant will allow public libraries to offer information and technical assistance to small business owners in communities across the state. With these new resources and continued support from local public libraries, businesses throughout Illinois will sharpen their skill set without having to invest their own capital.”

The “Business and Libraries: Working Together” technology packages include a laptop computer with Microsoft Office Suite; projector; screen; DVD player; camcorder with tripod; two audio headsets with microphones; DVDs for OSHA required training in both English and Spanish; Business Plan Pro, Sales and Marketing Pro, and Adobe Acrobat software; Acrobat training materials; jump drives; and books on starting and growing business. Libraries have the choice of loaning the equipment to local businesses or making the equipment available for use at the library.

Participants were selected on the basis of the local unemployment rate, poverty level, proximity to a Small Business Development Center (SBCD), SCORE or other business organization, and statewide geographic distribution.