It’s still five months down the road, but area planning for the 2020 Census has already begun. The city of Kewanee and the Kewanee Public Library are hoping to lay the foundations for an accurate census count, which both groups see as imperative for program funding.

Barbara Love, director of KPL, said that libraries will play a vital role in the next census.

“Libraries are everywhere,” she said. “There is a library within five miles of 99 percent of the hard-to-reach people.”

The 2020 census will be the first online census. About 99 percent of all citizens will use either a paper form, a telephone or a computer device to participate, Love said. “That’s where the library comes in.”

Love said the library is preparing to help facilitate an accurate census count in a number of ways, including equipment, access and hands-on assistance.

“There is a population that doesn’t have (internet) access,” Love said.

Some residents may have internet access, but may lack the technology and knowledge to go online and fill out the form. In addition, low income residents may not own a computer at all.

Not only are the library computers up-to-date with the latest software, but they are also plentiful and connected to high speed internet.

The KPD has two computer labs, but as the census gets closer, Love said she may decide to bring in laptops for patrons to use. There will also be plenty of employees available to answer questions.

“People can come in and use phones and other devices, too.”

And Love said that patrons with fines will still have access to the computers in order to participate in the census.

The issue is an important one for the library, said Love. Each year, the federal government allocates billions of dollars for grant programs.

“Every grant that I have written in the library world has needed census statistics,” said Love. “You have to justify a need for a program. It’s very rich – the data that they mine from the census.”

In fact, the raw data mined from the census is important for every governmental agency and organization.

Kewanee City Manager Gary Bradley agrees that an accurate count is paramount for federal funds. “It’s important not only because it decides congressional representation,” Bradley said, “But also its important for grants,” adding that the census data has an impact on whether the city can even qualify for certain funds.

The city has already held one training session, which Bradley said was intended to form a steering committee.

Additionally, the city is working with Bi-State Regional Commission, which assists local governments in planning and project development, to get information out about the survey. Denise Bulat, executive director of BSRC, will speak at the Oct. 28 city council meeting.

Bradley said future plans could include working closely with other area organizations.

“I would suggest that the city partner with the school districts and the library,” he said.

















