Secretary of State Jesse White has awarded $3.9 million in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to libraries and museums, including the DeKalb Public Library.

The “Go Green at Your Library” program received $4,900 and aims to educate the community about environmentally friendly ideas.

The grant program is a competitive one.

Karen Woodworth, a reference librarian at the library, said that to apply for the grant, she had to write an overview of the project and the budget.

This year, in celebration of LSTA’s 10th anniversary, all grant recipients received a ceremonial check at the Illinois State Library in Springfield during the Illinois Library Association’s annual conference.

LSTA replaced the previous library grant system, founded by Secretary of State George Ryan, 10 years ago when Jesse White became secretary of state. The federal government funds the LSTA.

“It’s a program that’s helped a lot of libraries,” said Pat McGuckin, director of communications at Illinois State Libraries.

The grant programs have helped libraries keep up with technology like instant messaging. Patrons want information instantly, McGuckin said.

The Web site AskawayIllinois.info gives citizens access to librarians statewide through instant messaging, which allows quick reception of information.

The DeKalb Public Library plans to focus on environmental issues.

For the library’s environmental program, Woodworth will encourage composting and using local markets for sustainable agriculture. Most local markets tend to be more environmentally friendly, Woodworth said.

With the grant money, the library plans to buy recycle bins, compact florescent light bulbs and more recycled paper. The library is already using recycled toilet paper, Woodworth said.

“I think that some people understand that global warming and the environment is important,” Woodworth said. “We need to get more people reached.”

The funds will also go toward purchasing environmental books, magazines and videos, some of which will also be in Spanish. Woodworth said environmental-type material is very popular.

However, this isn’t the first time the library has such an interest in the environment. The library had a program in the past.

“This time, there’s a whole series of programs,” Woodworth said.

Although the environmental programs are still in its early stages, they are expected to begin as early as November, soon after October’s Big Read program ends. The library will be receiving most of its environmental material in November.

All libraries, including academic, college, regional, public and special ones, have the ability to apply for LSTA grants.

“Libraries deal with the same fiscal realities like everyone else,” McGuckin said.