Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Dave Severin has announced that three libraries in Illinois’ 116th District will receive new grant funding aimed at improving literacy. Severin, who leads the House Republican Literacy Improves Future Endeavors Working Group, congratulated organizations in Fairfield, Mount Vernon, and Mount Carmel for being selected.

“The Secretary of State’s office has notified entities in my district of grant funding to improve literacy outcomes for students and adults,” Severin said. “These grants represent investments in local communities that help teach reading, writing, and math skills and allow individuals with certain disabilities to access local news broadcasts.”

Frontier Community College in Fairfield will receive $81,120 through the Adult Literacy Grant Program. This program provides instruction for adults who read below a ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level, helping them improve their reading, writing, math, or English language skills.

The Southtown Youth Program Center in Mount Vernon is set to get a $52,000 Family Literacy Grant. The funds will support integrated instruction for parents and children together to boost their basic reading and writing abilities as well as math or English proficiency. Services include adult education, child education, parenting education, parent-child activities based on literacy, and library services.

Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel was awarded $35,341 from the Radio Information Service grant. This service allows Illinois residents with visual or physical disabilities that make reading difficult to access local news broadcasts via special sideband receivers provided at no cost to qualified recipients.

Severin was elected as a Republican representative to the Illinois State House in 2023 for the 116th District, succeeding David Friess.