SPRINGFIELD - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) met virtually today with Illinois members of the American Library Association to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of federal funding to libraries.

'Libraries provide important services to Illinois communities, families, and children,' Durbin said. 'Beyond books and local programming, libraries may also be one of the only local opportunities for people to connect with broadband internet service. During today's call, I promised the Illinois members of the American Library Association that I will continue to support federal funding for libraries so they can meet the evolving needs of their communities.'

Federal funds for libraries are distributed through state grants and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Durbin is a cosponsor of the Build America's Libraries Act that would provide $5 billion in competitive grants through the IMLS to repair, modernize, and construct library facilities in underserved and marginalized communities. The American Rescue Plan also included $178 million for LSTA and the CARES Act included $15 million in emergency funds for IMLS.

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