SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $1.867 million in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago and its northern suburbs, including $1 million to the Newberry Library, an independent research library and educational institution, to remodel and construct an addition.

The addition will house a meeting facility and additional exhibits, which will benefit 75,000 people per year.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $250,000 to the City of Evanston Club to convert the fire station and police headquarters into a public safety facility. The city is contributing $4.75 million.
  This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Sen. Carol Ronen, D-Chicago.

• $100,000 to Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes's Medical Center Club to purchase equipment and make improvements to its Alzheimer's Family Care Center.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Ira I. Silverstein, D-Chicago.

• $75,000 to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Club to make renovations and to purchase and install security equipment for the Lawson House YMCA.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Judy Erwin, D-Chicago.

• $55,000 to the Evanston Chamber of Commerce Club to form a regional convention and tourism bureau for the north shore communities.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Jeffrey M. Schoenberg, D-Evanston, State Rep.Elizabeth Coulson, R-Glenview and Silverstein.

• $50,000 to the Anixter Center Club to make structural renovations to its building located on Clybourn Street in Chicago. The center is contributing $14,000.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. John A. Fritchey, D-Chicago.

• $50,000 to Keshet, a not-for-profit organization in Northbrook Club to develop and implement a program focused on the specific needs of autistic children.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $50,000 to Working in the Schools Club to hire a program director and a service learning coordinator.
  This program was initiated by Ronen and State Sen. John J. Cullerton, D-Chicago.

• $30,000 to Chicago Public Schools Club to make technology improvements at Rogers Elementary School and Northside College Prep High School. This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $25,000 to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago Club to upgrade its communications system.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Larry McKeon, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to the Howard Brown Health Center Club to provide medical care and information to individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago.

• $20,000 to the Jane Addams Resource Center, Chicago Club to cover the general operating expenses for its alternative high school. The city is contributing $104,000.
  This project was initiated by McKeon.

• $20,000 to the Edgewater Development Corporation Club to provide a marketing study in the Edgewater community on South Broadway Street and Granville Avenue.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Harry Osterman, D-Chicago.

• $17,000 to the Northeast District Health Council of the Chicago/Cook County Health Council Club to hire a project coordinator and establish support for the residents of Chicago and suburban Cook County.
  This project was initiated by Osterman and McKeon.

• $15,000 to Lincoln Junior High School, Skokie Club to make technology improvements.
  This project was initiated by Silverstein.

• $15,000 to the Chicago Children's Museum Club to help fund its Student Visit program.
  This project was initiated by Erwin.

• $10,000 to Native American Education Services Club to assist in the operation of a three day Native American Pow Wow in the Chicago area.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago.

• $10,000 to the Centra Romero Club to cover expenses in its Legal Assistance department.
  This project was initiated by Osterman.

• $10,000 to Working in the Schools Club to purchase computer and communication equipment.
  This project was initiated by Erwin.

• $5,000 to Chicago Public Schools Club to purchase equipment and textbooks for the science department at Chappell Elementary School.
  This project was initiated by Ronen.

• $5,000 to Gilda's Club to enhance its emotional and social support program for people living with cancer and their families and friends.
  This program was initiated by Osterman.