ELDORADO — The Eldorado Memorial Public Library District has received a Project Next Generation (PNG) grant to help provide technology and mentoring to at-risk youth.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White made the announcement of more than $500,000 in grant money to libraries across the state on Wednesday. Eldorado Memorial Library will receive just over $25,000.

Felicia Murray is the director at the Eldorado Memorial Library. She says especially during the pandemic, libraries are more important than ever for a child’s education.

Murray says the money their library receives will go towards hands-on STEAM related activities for late elementary and middle school age students.

Harrisburg Public Library also will receive just over $8,000 through PNG grant money.