The grants, which may be used to provide more library books and other materials for students in public elementary and secondary schools, will benefit 1.8 million students. Students depend on our school libraries for information that helps them become good students, and for other material that keeps them enlightened and entertained. In some of our communities, students do not have easy access to public libraries. They depend solely on their school library for the books and other materials they need.
School libraries provide the tools that allow students to develop more critical thinking skills.
School library programs are a valuable asset in strengthening reading skills. They provide a positive environment where kids can interact with one another and make new friends. The research, evaluation and thinking skills students develop from school librarians and school library media specialists will last a lifetime. During my tenure as State Librarian, I have visited many Illinois school libraries and seen firsthand how they benefit students of all ages. I'll continue to do all I can to provide school libraries with the resources they need to produce outstanding students.