DeKALB – DeKalb library leaders got an $8.5 million Christmas surprise.

The Illinois Public Library unexpectedly released $8.5 million to give the DeKalb library toward its construction and renovation plan, so long as library leaders can raise local matching funds by June 30, State Rep. Bob Pritchard said Wednesday. There will be some other requirements the library will need to meet to receive the funds.

“This is an entitlement, meaning that if they raise their local share and meet all the requirements, they will get the $8.5 million,” Pritchard said. “If they don’t, they won’t.”