Peoria Public Library 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.

Ed Szynaka, Library Director, 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). This is great news for the Peoria community and the Library. “We have always provided a high level of support to the business community, especially the small and start-up business. This grant will permit a dramatic increase in the those services. We want to thank the Secretary of State and the State Librarian for their confidence and support,” said Szynaka.

“Public libraries like Peoria Public Library 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 Peoria,” 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 Peoria Public Library 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 Peoria Public Library 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.”

Director Szynaka said local businesses and entrepreneurs interested in working with the library on the initiative should contact the library reference department at 309.497.2158.