Illinois Library Association Honors Giannoulias in Peoria

Illinois Library Association Honors Giannoulias in Peoria

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Receives Award for Library Legislation that Protects the “Right-to-Read”

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias received the Illinois Library Association’s (ILA) Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award at the association’s 2024 awards program held during its annual conference in Peoria following his administration’s work to protect the “Right-to-Read.”

“While I am absolutely honored to be the recipient of the Robert R. McClarren Award, this award is a reflection of the lifechanging work of our librarians and library community; their dedication and devotion are reflections of true public service,” said Giannoulias. “Here in Illinois, we protect the “Right-to-Read” and are grateful for the folks who make it possible.”

“The Illinois Library Association’s Public Policy Committee was honored to present this year’s Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias,” said Cynthia Robinson, executive director of ILA. “Secretary Giannoulias’ dedication and impactful contributions to legislative development make him an outstanding recipient. The Illinois Library Association commends him for his commitment to the advancement of libraries and the broader community throughout the state of Illinois.”

The Robert R. McClarren Award was established by the ILA in 1989 to honor an Illinois librarian, trustee, library or legislator, who has contributed significantly to legislative development related to libraries in the state of Illinois.

Since taking office, Giannoulias’ administration championed first-in-the-nation legislation designed to support public libraries by withholding state grants from libraries that remove books due to doctrinal or partisan disproval. Other states such as Maryland and Minnesota have since enacted similar legislation.

The office has also distributed more than $104 million in grant funds to expand library services and collections, including grant funding to help eliminate the digital divide. The funding helps ensure geographic location and socioeconomic status are not barriers to accessing information.

Giannoulias’ office is also pursuing legislation to provide libraries and librarians the same protections teachers and elected officials receive from threats and intimidation after at least 22 bomb threats were received by libraries throughout the state.

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