SPRINGFIELD – Area libraries will be able to purchase new materials with the help from the state of Illinois. The "Back to Books" program gives 11 local public libraries the opportunity to purchase educational resources for a wide array of specialty needs.

"Our libraries play a unique role in supporting our communities, which is why it is important for us to support them," Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) said. "Although these grants are small, they play a big role in helping our libraries offer new materials for training and community outreach."

Area libraries requested materials to help veterans make the transition from military to civilian life, training DVDs for fire departments, technical training resources and large-print retirement-related books for senior citizens. A growing population of French-speaking African immigrants, living in and around Galesburg, is just one group that will benefit from these grants. The Galesburg Public Library included French language resources in its application for funding.

"We have been ordering materials for them and just received a Back to Books grant of $3,000 to buy French materials for all ages," Galesburg Public Library Director Harriett Zipfel said. "Libraries respond to the needs of the communities they serve, each in their own unique ways."

The "Back to Books" program is an initiative from Secretary of State Jesse White's office funded by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and the state's library funds.

"Our libraries perform so many essential tasks, but at their core what our libraries do best is make books and other materials available to patrons," White said.

Grants to libraries in Senate District 47

• Biggsville: Henderson County Public Library District
• Bushnell: Bushnell-Prairie City Community Unit School District #170
• Carthage: Carthage Public Library District
• Galesburg: Galesburg Public Library
• Macomb: Macomb Public Library District, Western Illinois University
• Monmouth: Warren County Public Library District
• Quincy: Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, John Wood Community College, Quincy Public Library
• Table Grove: Vermont Ipava Table Grove Community Unit School District #2

People across west-central Illinois have been dealing with the effects of the recent flooding. While many of our communities have already started to clean up and return to normal, much of the region is still under water or are about to see more flooding.

I would like to take this opportunity to pass along some helpful information and resources.

Resources

UPDATE 11:11 a.m. 4-24-2013: For local disaster relief contact information please visit IEMA's website and click on the map of your county.

• If you're in immediate need of shelter, you can look up a Red Cross shelter near you or call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.
• For power outages or electrical issues, go to Ameren.com or call 1-800-755-5000 or contact your local provider.
• For a full list of road closures, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation website.
• For advice about flood recovery and clean up, visit ready.gov/floods or download this guide from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• For advice about filing an insurance claim, visit floodsmart.gov.
• For additional flood updates and safety information, visit Illinois.gov/ready.
• If you’d like to help with the flood relief efforts, visit Illinois.gov/ready for volunteer information.

Illinois.gov
Below are links for up-to-date information on the ongoing flooding issues:

• Road Closures
• River Closures
• Volunteer Opportunities
• General Information

IEMA
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is one of the best resources for weather and flood updates. Click here for IEMA's site and contact information or call 217-782-0922

National Weather Service/NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association provides up-to-date information on flooding and forecasting for future floods.

The American Red Cross
Below is the hotline for the Red Cross, they can provide additional emergency support and disaster relief resources.

• 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767)

Likewise, please contact my office if you have additional concerns or issues.

Sincerely,

John Sullivan
State Senator, 47th District

Click here to see coverage of efforts to protect Schulyer County's water supply.

Students from Blessing Rieman College of Nursing in Quincy came to the Capitol on Tuesday for American Nurses Association Illinois Lobby Day. State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) discussed legislation affecting medicine and nursing with the group of 87 seniors. (click photos to enlarge)

State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) speaks to members of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Corp. during that group's visit Thursday to the Capitol.