Mokena Library Awarded Nearly $30,000 Grant from Illinois Secretary of State

Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | July 2025

Article Summary
The Mokena Community Public Library District has received a significant financial boost after being awarded a Per Capita Grant of $29,411.50 from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. The grant funds are designated for a wide range of essential library services, including collection development, technology upgrades, programming, and marketing efforts.

Secretary of State Grant Key Points:

• The library was awarded a Per Capita Grant totaling $29,411.50.

• The grant is administered by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State, who also serves as the State Librarian.

• Funds can be used for collection management, programming, technology, marketing, and collaboration.

• The board reviewed the official grant award letter during the July 22 meeting.

MOKENA, Il. – The Mokena Community Public Library District has received an award of $29,411.50 through the state’s Per Capita Grant program, Executive Director Cathy Palmer announced during the board meeting on July 22.

The grant, awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State, provides crucial supplementary funding for public libraries across the state. The funds are earmarked to enhance a wide array of library functions. According to Palmer’s report, the grant can be used for collection management, programming for patrons, technology improvements, reader’s advisory services, marketing, and community collaboration initiatives.

The Board of Trustees reviewed the official award letter as part of the meeting’s correspondence. Per Capita Grants are non-competitive grants distributed annually to public libraries that meet state standards. The amount awarded is based on the population of the library’s service area, ensuring that state support is distributed equitably to help libraries meet the evolving needs of their communities. The injection of nearly $30,000 will allow the Mokena library to bolster its resources and services for residents in the coming year.