SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, announced that the South Holland Public Library will receive a $125,000 grant to improve facilities through the office of the Illinois Secretary of State.

“Keeping our public libraries in good working order is crucial for students and families in our district,” Jones said. “I am thrilled the South Holland Public Library will receive this funding and I will continue fighting for the funding of this valuable grant.”

The Secretary of State’s Live and Learn Construction Grant Program assists public libraries with construction costs in their facilities. Grants are awarded based on recommendations from a statewide committee following a review process. Local money is matched by state grants.

Jones announced that the South Holland Public Library will use the funds to install an ADA-compliant elevator. The library was built in 1971, which pre-dates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the current elevator is small and will not accommodate anything larger than a standard wheelchair or stroller. Patrons who use larger and/or motorized wheelchairs and larger strollers are currently unable to use the elevator. The lower level of the library houses the youth services department, teen area and a large meeting room where a majority of library programs are held. Outside community groups are also allowed to use this meeting room, so it’s critical that all patrons have access to these areas. The goal is to have construction of a new elevator completed by the end of the year.

“I am very grateful to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White for awarding the South Holland Public Library a $125,000 Live & Learn Construction Grant to replace our existing elevator,” said South Holland Library Director Robin Wagner. “This project will make the lower level of the library accessible to all our residents, including those who have mobility issues, use a wheelchair or scooter, or have young children in strollers.”