LASALLE – The LaSalle Public Library has for an eighth year been awarded a Project Next Generation Grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White and the State Library. The $40,000 will provide funding for two six-week programs, including an Autumn backyard astronomy program and a Spring program that explores the concept of “change” in Illinois through the forces of Nature, through human interaction, and humans and their environment. Each program will serve 18 participants and are free and open to the public.
Participants who successfully complete either or both programs will receive an invitation to attend an all-expense paid field trip to either the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and/or the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford . Additionally, as part of the Spring program, participants and their families may elect to participate in optional, independent field trips to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, and the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in Hennepin. These sites offer free admission and round-trip mileage for these trips will be reimbursable when the participant completes site activities related to the Spring program. More information about the Autumn program will be announced in September, with announcements for the Spring program coming in February 2023.
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded $627,624 in 2023 Project Next Generation grants to 30 public libraries statewide to support the mentoring program. The grants provide for mentors to work with middle and high school students to develop skills using various technologies.
“I am committed to improving the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois,” said White. “I established this innovative program when I first became Secretary of State to give students an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the latest technological tools at their local library. I am proud that this program is entering its 24th year and continues to help young students position themselves for success.”
Weekdays 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
