OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to provide aid to library districts for pandemic recovery, five local facilities will receive nearly $175,000 in state grants to enhance their services.

“Libraries are a vital community resource by providing residents with a safe, quiet space to read and learn,” Glowiak Hilton said. “This grant ensures libraries are equipped to serve students and individuals of all ages, especially individuals at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or have health concerns during the pandemic.”

The initiative is aimed to respond directly to difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant provides funding for libraries to modify services, transform spaces and develop resources for their local recovering workforce and to ensure all operations can be provided safely and effectively as the pandemic continues.

The following libraries in the district Sen. Glowiak Hilton represents will receive funds:

• Benedictine University, Lisle: $9,775
• Butler School District, Oak Brook: $5,902
• Lombard Elementary School District 44: $128,476
• Oak Brook Public Library: $9,011
• Westmont Unit School: $19,840

Approximately $173,004 in funding was granted to libraries in the 24th Senate District. For a full list of libraries receiving a grant, click here.

DOWNERS GROVE – Following a month-long donation drive, State Senators Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) dropped off more than 325 purses full of personal care items to the Downers Grove Community Center.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the members of our community who took the time to make a donation in support of our neighbors in need,” Ellman said. “Especially around the holidays, it’s important to remind survivors of domestic abuse that there’s a whole community behind them.”

The drive was held through #LovePurse, an initiative that collects purses filled with personal care items, toiletries, menstrual products and notes of encouragement to distribute to women in need and survivors of domestic violence.

“When neighbors are experiencing hardship, generosity from community members is critical to building a lasting support network,” Glowiak Hilton said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your donations and for helping us uplift survivors of domestic violence.”

At the time of the drop off, nearly 150 purses had already been donated to the community center, bringing the total to just shy of 475. The purses will be distributed to those in need throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – In response to an increase in reported crimes throughout DuPage County, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is partnering with the Hinsdale and Oak Brook police departments to host a community conversation on safety.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe on the roads and at home,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With carjackings and burglaries becoming more prevalent in our community, I believe it’s valuable to give residents an opportunity to get safety tips straight from our local law enforcement officers.”

The crime prevention and safety seminar event will be held on Dec. 9 at the Oak Brook Public Library, located at 600 Oak Brook Rd., starting at 5:30 p.m. Masks are required for participation.

“We all stand to benefit from learning better, more effective ways to keep ourselves and our family members out of harm’s way,” Glowiak Hilton said. “I appreciate this collaboration with the Hinsdale and Oak Brook police departments as well as the Oak Brook Public Library for offering a space, and I look forward to joining the conversation.”

Residents can contact Glowiak Hilton’s office by calling 630-785-3177 or texting 630-998-7059 for additional information.