Illinois Library Association

09/04/2026

ILA Institutional Members: Submit your photos for the ILA Member Photo of the Month!

Submit photos of staff participating in community events, your anniversary celebrations, renovation projects, special visitors, bookmobiles, or any other noteworthy events. Submit a photo with a description to [email protected] by Friday, September 18th.

09/03/2026

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library recently debuted its new bookmobile.

Half a million dollars was raised in about a year for the 33-foot Winnebago, custom-built with adjustable shelving, a retractable awning and an outdoor screen.

09/03/2026

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The ILA Diversity Committee will welcome seasoned library professional Rodney Freeman as the DiversiTEA Closing Session speaker at this year's ILA Annual Conference.

With over 15 years of experience in academic, public, and government libraries, Freeman has developed expertise in digital collections, databases, and taxonomy. His career began with a focus on digital archives and has evolved through various roles, from library page to administrator.

In addition to his extensive library experience, Freeman is the director of the documentary “Are You a Librarian? Black Librarians and Freedom Through Literacy,” which will be screened during the session, followed by a moderated Q&A.

Don't miss out! Register now to join us October 6-8 at the Peoria Civic Center! The deadline to register is September 17th! https://bit.ly/ILAAC26Register

09/02/2026

The deadline to apply for the ILA Annual Conference Internship Program is this Friday!

Conference interns must complete at least four hours of work, which will be assigned before the conference and in accordance with the program's conditions and benefits. ILA personal members and non-members are encouraged to apply.

Assignments will be determined according to the specific needs of the conference. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 4, 2026.

For more information about the internship program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and available assignments, please visit the ILA website. https://bit.ly/ILAAC26Internship

09/02/2026

"A picture's worth a thousand words? A library card's worth millions."―Roy Blount, Jr.

09/01/2026

The Oak Park Public Library and the River Forest Public Library are expanding digital services and technology access as they adapt to a more connected world.

Oak Park and River Forest libraries are expanding digital services and technology access as they adapt to a more connected world

09/01/2026

Happy ! No matter your interests, a library card hits all the right notes!

Whether you want to grab a classic title or explore something new, you can join a book club, attend a movie night, participate in a craft session, or listen to an author talk. Discover new skills in a makerspace or borrow items from a Library of Things. Whatever your preference, there’s a place for you at the library!

This month, stop by your local library to check out everything it has to offer!

08/31/2026

The Illinois Youth Services Institute Committee is accepting program proposals for the 2027 Illinois Youth Services Institute (IYSI).

The event, themed “Belong. Become. Beyond,” is scheduled for March 15-16, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Bloomington, Illinois.

Youth and teen librarians, as well as professionals serving youth from public libraries, schools, after-school programs, and museums, are encouraged to share their knowledge, expertise, and exuberance for programming, collaborations, and library services for youth.

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, October 23, 2026. https://bit.ly/IYSIProposals27

08/30/2026

Special-edition library cards are more than just credentials. Whether they feature famous figures or commemorate culture and history, they’re something to flaunt. Here’s a look at other cards that are striking a major chord.

Whether they feature famous figures or commemorate history, special-edition library cards are something to flaunt.