Section 3035.125  Library Grants for Veterans' Homes

a)         Pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Act, this Section establishes the application procedures for veterans' home library grants.

b)         The application must be submitted to the Illinois State Library in a manner prescribed by the State Librarian.  The applicant shall provide the information stipulated in Section 3035.135(d).  The application must include:

1)         A statement on the proposed use of the grant for which application is being made that details how grant funds will be used for library services to residents.  Grant funds are eligible to be used in support of library services and activities, including library staffing, materials, and equipment.

2)         Pursuant to 75 ILCS 10/3, the applicant must certify that the applicant has adopted either the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights that indicates materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or provide a written policy that indicates the applicant will protect the intellectual freedom of the library user and shall prevent censorship of its library materials, ensuring that items are not withdrawn from its library collection merely because individuals or groups object to the material.  The applicant shall certify that for grants made under this Section on or after January 1, 2024, and upon request of the State Librarian, the applicant agrees to provide the Illinois State Library with any final decision for the reconsideration of library materials during the term of the grant award.

3)         Other requirements established by the Illinois State Library.

c)         Illinois State Library staff will evaluate the applications, and the State Librarian will make final funding decisions.

d)         The application will be funded according to the amount of funding available based on demonstrated need.  Criteria will also include whether the plan of operation contains information about the project goals and objectives, the methods used to achieve these goals and objectives, and the involvement of staff in providing library service.

e)         In order for an application to be considered, the veterans' home must be providing library services to the residents at the time of application.

f)         In accordance with Section 3035.140(b), the applicant shall submit reports on the use of grant funds as required by the Illinois State Library

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 948, effective January 1, 2024)