Several libraries on the North Shore have received funding through state grant programs, according to a statement from Foreign Minister Alexi Giannoulias, who is also the state librarian.

“Libraries across the state must have the resources and financial support they need to provide high-quality materials and programs to Illinois residents,” Giannoulias said in a statement. “Libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and are critical to providing children and adults with opportunities to enrich their lives.”

The library districts of Wilmette ($41,847), Winnetka-Northfield ($27,465) and Kenilworth ($3,734) received grants through the Public Library Per Capita program. Glenview ($72,326) and Evanston ($115,999) also received grants through the program.

Public libraries’ annual per capita grants support local library services. Funds can be used for operational purposes, including purchasing materials and improving facilities, and building new facilities.

The Kenilworth Library District has a physical building and shares resources with the Winnetka-Northfield and Wilmette public libraries.

The Highland Park Public Library received a $125,000 grant through the Public Library Construction program. The funds will support the library’s “Reimagine Your Library” expansion project.

“The expansion, based on a needs assessment, strategic planning and feedback from residents, will provide more space, improved accessibility and expanded services,” said Heidi Smith, executive director of HPPL, in a statement. “This includes more space for archival collections, including the 2022 Highland Park Shooting Collection, which was built in 2023 with a grant from the Illinois State Library.”

The park staff has been expanded to include new employees for the lake promenade and communication

The Wilmette Park District has announced the hiring of three new employees in its organization, according to the district’s website.

Emin Jakupovic, lakeshore beach supervisor, started working on the beach crew in May and has experience with the Wilmette lakeshore, having worked there for eight summers.

Conor McCormick, a Chicago native with experience in parks and conservation, has been hired as the district’s lakefront park supervisor. McCormick has worked in a variety of fields, including animal care, veterinary science and research. He plans to seek a Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation and teach residents outdoor skills

JP McNamara is the new Marketing and Communications Manager for the Wilmette Park District. McNamara has experience in athletics, sporting event organization, and business and marketing. His role is to organize the Marketing and Communications department and implement new project management software.

The park district was without a communications manager for two years.

Students receive free public transport this Monday

Classes have started and on Monday, August 26, students throughout the Chicago metropolitan area can ride CTA, Metra and Pace public transportation for free.

This is the third year in a row that Metra and Pace have offered free rides for students for a day, helping students start the new school year on a positive note.

All three transit companies are offering free rides for students from all public and private schools and one accompanying adult on August 26 from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The CTA also offers reduced fares for elementary and high school students throughout the school year.

For further information please see the Metra website.

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