PLAINFIELD – Local libraries will soon receive service upgrades thanks to more than $230,000 in grants, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Friday.

“Libraries are a foundational part of every community and ought to be invested in as such,” Loughran Cappel said. “I thank Secretary White for his commitment to maintaining excellent learning environments in every part of the state.”

The $230,344 received by four local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.  

“It’s incredibly important our libraries have what is necessary to keep up with the constantly evolving technology landscape,” Loughran Cappel said. “This funding will ensure our residents have access to modern learning tools.”

The following libraries in the district represented by Loughran Cappel will receive funds:

• Plainfield Public Library District, $111,122
• Oswego Public Library District, $90,851
• Shorewood-Troy Public Library District $28,371

For more information on the grants, people can visit the secretary of state’s website.

PLAINFIELD – To give residents the chance to discuss their concerns and ideas, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will hold an outdoor Coffee and Conversation event.

“Community feedback gives me a better idea of how I can best serve those I represent,” Loughran Cappel said. “It is my goal to be as helpful and accommodating as I possibly can, and I look forward to seeing how my office can continue to be helpful moving forward.”

The event will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Boy Scout Park Pavilion in Plainfield.

This is an outdoor event, so masks will not be required and social distancing will be observed. With questions and concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s district office at (815) 267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that would improve financial preparedness among Illinois students was signed into law Friday.

“A major part of our responsibility as educators is to prepare kids for life beyond the classroom,” Loughran Cappel said. “Applicable, real life skills ought to receive greater attention in the classroom, and it is my pledge to continue finding ways to address these critical gaps in our curriculum.”

Senate Bill 1830 allows either one year, or a semester, of a financial literacy course to count toward the social studies requirement to graduate high school.

In a study conducted by USA TODAY, of those who attended college, only 41% said they received enough information in college to build good financial habits, and 30% said their high school education did so. When asked what they wish they had learned more about in school, financial topics were at the top of the list.

This legislation is effective immediately.

PLAINFIELD – Local pet and businesses and organizations are invited to participate in a pet expo hosted by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) and State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

“The joy and support pets can provide on a daily basis cannot be underestimated,” Loughran Cappel said. “This expo will display a diverse array of animals that people of all ages can enjoy spending their time with.”

The expo is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Clow Stephens Dog Park, 16676 S. Lily Cache Road, Plainfield, IL, and is free. Area residents will be provided educational opportunities and resources while enjoying time with animals at the event.

"As a dog owner, I know firsthand the unconditional love that our pets show us," Connor said.  "This is an opportunity for community members to return that love with a morning of fun for their furry friends."

Local pet businesses are invited to showcase their services and provide information to attendees. Interested businesses can apply by visiting Senator Connor or Senator Loughran Cappel’s websites, SenatorConnor.com and SenatorLoughranCappel.com. Registration is free, and approved participants will receive confirmation at a later date.

More information is available from Senator Connor’s office at 815-207-4445 or Senator Loughran Cappel’s offices at 815-267-6119.