Business & Libraries Grant to NRLD
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Newman Regional Library District Receives “Business and Libraries Working Together” Grant from Illinois State Library to Help Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Newman Regional Library District (NRLD) is one of more than 60 Illinois public libraries selected to receive a “Business and Libraries Working Together” grant from Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White to assist local small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Librarian, Renee Henry said the grant will provide “business packages” that include equipment (laptop computers, DVD players, projectors, video cameras), software (planning and office functions) and training videos (office safety, sexual harassment, hostile workplace). An open house to show off the new equipment will be held on Wednesday, July 6 from 7 – 8:00 p.m. at the library.
Henry, notes that the future of small towns lies in the entrepreneurial spirit of those living in and around them, not in outsiders. “The board feels that the library should do all it can to support and encourage our local people in their efforts to start and sustain new business no matter how large or small.”
“Public libraries like NRLD are cornerstones of our communities, and partnerships such as this between libraries, small businesses and aspiring employers can hopefully spur economic development and job creation in communities like Newman,” said Secretary White. “Highly skilled librarians and library staff are extremely valuable and reliable sources of information for small businesses and entrepreneurs. These business packages represent new tools that public libraries like NRLD can utilize to promote business development and entrepreneurship.”
Funding for the business packages was obtained by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) through a $300,000 appropriation to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The criteria for awarding the package included local unemployment rate; proximity to and cooperation with a Small Business Development Center, Service Corps of Retired Employees (SCORE) office, or chamber of commerce.
"Small businesses are key to our economic recovery,” Senator Durbin said. “This funding will
allow public libraries like NRLD to offer information and assistance to small business owners in communities across Illinois. With these new resources and continued support from local public libraries, businesses throughout Illinois will grow and local economies will improve.”
Henry said local businesses and entrepreneurs interested in working with the library on the initiative should contact her at 217-837-2412 or librarian@newmanregionallibrary.org.
