The Illinois Association of College & Research Libraries (IACRL) Awards Committee is accepting submissions for the IACRL 2026 People's Choice Award in Scholarly Publishing.
The submission has been extended to Friday, March 20. bit.ly/IACRLPCA26
ILA JobLine: Associate Library Director | Berwyn Public Library ow.ly/1rYJ50YocyH #ILAJobLine #LibraryJobs
“A library is about going someplace to be fed. All are hungry, if we really think about it, for what books and the community of literature offers. It feels restorative, and it’s something that we need right now more than ever.”—Tracy K. Smith #WomensHistoryMonth #Libraries #ILA
It's #ILAInstitutionalMember Spotlight Monday! This month, we're featuring the Kankakee Public Library.
Visit the ILA website to read about the library: bit.ly/KankakeePL. #WeAreILA
Happy #ReadAcrossAmerica Day! 🎉 Join the nationwide celebration of literacy and grab a book to share with a young reader. Let's make reading a lifelong adventure!
The American Library Association strongly denounces new federal book banning legislation proposed in Congress. Call your Reps. Tell them to oppose H.R. 7661. Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121 American Library Association, Show Up For Our Libraries
"Parents, not politicians, should guide their children’s reading. In our school, campus, and public libraries, materials are selected by trained literacy professionals who understand child development and community needs. Their work is grounded in one clear purpose: helping young people become lifelong readers. H.R. 7661 isn’t fundamentally about protecting kids. It’s about giving politicians broad authority to restrict whose stories are allowed on the shelves. That should concern anyone who believes in the freedom to read and the right of families to make decisions for themselves.” - ALA President Sam Helmick
"Rather than targeting librarians and teachers, Congress should invest in them. The Right to Read Act offers a better path, supporting well-staffed and well-resourced school libraries, strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction, and protecting the dedicated professionals who help young people discover books that open doors and expand horizons. When we trust families, support educators, and protect the freedom to read, our young people thrive.” - ALA President Sam Helmick.
NEW: ALA strongly denounces new federal book banning legislation introduced in Congress, HR 7661.
As ALA President Sam Helmick said, "Parents, not politicians, should guide their children's reading." Call your Rep and tell them to oppose this new bill.
More from ALA: www.ala.org/news/2026/02...
Congrats to the Walnut Public Library District for being named the ILA Member Photo of the Month for February!
The library's Toddler Time group explored Alaskan culture in February. With community help, the library gathered 500 milk and water jugs to build an igloo. #WeAreILA
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced more than $680,000 in grants awarded to public libraries across Illinois and opened the application period for additional funding to support library safety and security.
The ILA Conference Program Committee is now accepting proposals and lightning talks for this year's ILA Annual Conference, taking place October 6-8 in Peoria. Submissions are due April 3. Learn more: bit.ly/ILAAC26CallforSubmissions
Join the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee for "First Things First: An Introduction to the First Amendment," an informative session on free speech and the First Amendment’s practical implications for your library on February 23.
Learn more: ow.ly/3NHp50YhhOo.
Happy Valentine's Day! 🫶 ❤️
Congratulations to all of the libraries featured on the Kidlist: Activities for Kids Top 10 Children's Libraries with Play Areas list.
The Joliet Public Library, in partnership with Friends of the Library and resident Dr. Lukas Gacheru, helped establish the first-ever school library at Karoroha Comprehensive School in Kinangop, Kenya. ow.ly/H7pq50YfiAQ
"The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history." —Carl Thomas Rowan #BlackHistoryMonth #Libraries #ILA
Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! ILA joins those across the country celebrating this important month.
This year marks a century of Black history commemorations, with the theme "A Century of Black History," focusing on how movement and place have shaped the African American experience. bit.ly/3ZbWJBR
The ILA Member Photo of the Month for January goes to the Joliet Public Library
The library recently debuted the renovation of its Black Road branch. The photo features staff in the children's area. #WeAreILA
Chicago’s Newberry Library allows students to rediscover the power of in-person research.
ILA JobLine: Executive Director | Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District ow.ly/BClv50Y59nR #ILAJobLine #LibraryJobs
The Illinois Association of College & Research Libraries Awards Committee is accepting submissions for its People's Choice Award in Scholarly Publishing. The submission deadline is Feb. 20. bit.ly/IACRLPCA26
"Libraries were such an important part of my childhood, and they're an important part of my life today. I visit my local library to research, to read, to write, and to be inspired. I'm deeply grateful for our nation’s libraries and librarians."—Gene Luen Yang #Librarians #Libraries #ILA
The American Library Association announced the top books, digital media, video, and audiobooks for children and young adults—including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery, and Printz awards—at its Youth Media Awards Announcements in Chicago.
The Chicago Public Library's Legler Regional Branch recently debuted its food pantry, the first of its kind in the city.
It's #ILAMemberSpotlightMonday! This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Aaron Skog. Aaron is the Executive Director of the System Wide Automated Network (SWAN) Library Services and the chair of the ILA Public Policy Committee.
Read about Aaron 👉 bit.ly/ILASpotlightSkog #WeAreILA
The Decatur Public Library's interactive storytelling program READiculous, is marking 15 years of transforming children's books into lively, laughter-filled performances.
Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your 2025 new construction and renovation projects! Submit them to the ILA Reporter for the "Library Buildings 2025" article featured in the March 2026 issue! The submission deadline is Friday, January 23, 2026. bit.ly/ReporterNewBuildings25
Happy Friday! We hope everyone has a great weekend!
"Libraries may stand humbly, being of little consideration to most, but they are a meeting of the future and the past and the present."
The Peoria Public Library is the new Central Illinois regional sponsor for the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. They will cover eight counties — Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Putnam, and Stark — and 300 eligible schools.
"I love libraries. They’re truly places of wonder and magic for people of all ages."—Grace Lin #Librarians #Libraries #ILA
ILA Institutional Members: Submit your photos of events, displays, visitors, or anything noteworthy by Jan. 23 to tjenkins@ila.org for a chance to be the ILA Member Photo of the Month for January. The winning photo will be posted on Jan. 30. #WeAreILA
