Peoria Public Library recently was awarded a FY13 “Back to Books” grant in the amount of $5,000.00 from the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library. The Back to Books grant assists libraries in meeting the needs of patrons through focused collection development thus improving access to quality content and information. With these funds, Peoria Public Library has purchased over 200 new children’s books on the traditions, culture, and heritage of countries around the world. Included in this collection are books for the Main Library, the four branches, and the Bookmobile.

Covering such topics as native animals and plants, and traditional recipes and crafts, these books go beyond the dry demographics to emphasize the uniqueness of each country and its inhabitants. Large full-color photographs, maps and charts make these books attractive to students writing school reports as well as to anyone who just wants to expand their knowledge of the world.

Funding for this grant project was awarded from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).