Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded $530,104 in 2022 Project Next Generation (PNG) grants to twenty-eight public libraries throughout the state. PNG is a mentoring program administered through Illinois public. This is s a mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Project mentors work with middle and high school students as the participants develop skills to utilize various technologies, achieve success through project-based learning and develop life skills, such as effective communication, goal setting and conflict resolution. PNG Grant recipients include the following public libraries:

Anne West Lindsey District Library (Carterville) – $17,057

Carbondale Public Library – $25,960

Eldorado Memorial Public Library District – $25,680

Marion Carnegie Library – $33,116