Joseph J. Foy, Ph.D. President | Benedictine University

Benedictine University's library has been awarded a grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) to enhance resources for students with social and physical disorders. The $3,190 grant will be used to create five kits containing various tools available for checkout.

The kits will include sound-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, happy lights, white noise machines, soundproof earmuffs, wraparound sunglasses, fidgets, and calm strips. Additional items can also be checked out individually. For immediate use, extra fidgets and calm strips will be accessible at the library service desks.

While the primary focus of the grant is to support students with specific needs, the library anticipates that all students may benefit from these resources by reducing distractions, managing stress, or enhancing their study environment.

Luann DeGreve, MA, MLS, who led the grant proposal effort, expressed enthusiasm about advancing this project.