PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The state’s Library Association awarded Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias their Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award during their annual conference on Tuesday.
The award to Giannoulias, who is also the state’s librarian, is for his administration’s work to protect the "Right-to-Read," the group said during their annual conference which was held this week in Peoria.
"While I am absolutely honored to be the recipient of the Robert R. McClarren Award, this award is a reflection of the lifechanging work of our librarians and library community; their dedication and devotion are reflections of true public service," said Giannoulias. "Here in Illinois, we protect the "Right-to-Read" and are grateful for the folks who make it possible."
The award was established by the ILA in 1989 to honor a member of the Illinois Library community, such as a librarian, trustee or legislator, who has contributed significantly to legislative development related to libraries in the state.
Giannoulias has championed first-in-the-nation legislation designed to support public libraries by withholding state grants from libraries that remove books due to doctrinal or partisan disproval. Other states such as Maryland and Minnesota have since enacted similar legislation, according to the ILA and his office. .
The office has also distributed more than $104 million in grant funds to expand library services and collections, including grant funding to help eliminate the digital divide. The funding helps ensure geographic location and socioeconomic status are not barriers to accessing information.
Giannoulias’ office is also pursuing legislation to provide libraries and librarians the same protections teachers and elected officials receive from threats and intimidation after at least 22 bomb threats were received by libraries throughout the state.
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