SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey) is lead sponsor of legislation that would require every community college and public university to offer a course studying the events of Black History.

“We hear a lot of misinformation these days about the history of African Americans on television, social media and the internet in general,” Harris said. “The only way to combat that ignorance is to ensure that the young people of our state have access to and take time to learn about the contributions and struggles of Black people throughout American history.”

Read more ...

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced the grant awards for the FY18 Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants totaling $15.4 million to 630 public libraries serving almost 12 million patrons.  

In the 15th District, which is represented by Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey), 12 libraries were awarded the Illinois Public Library Per Capita Award and one was awarded the Equalization Aid Grant.

The libraries in the district are listed below:

Illinois Public Library Per Capita Award

Equalization Aid Grants

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries, which allows resources for expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology.

Equalization Aid Grants help qualifying public libraries with a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

For more information on Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Grants and how to apply: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/plpc_equalization.html