SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State Jesse White has awarded more than half a million dollars in 2019 Project Next Generation (PNG) grants to 31 public libraries statewide.

PNG mentors work with students to gain life skills that will benefit them in a modern workplace.

Libraries in our area receiving grants include those in Carterville, Carbondale, Centralia, Harrisburg, Marion, Pinckneyville and Sparta.

Recipients were awarded grants from the Illinois State Library using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Grants are awarded to public libraries that serve culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations.