Renee Anderson, DuPage Library System

Reaching Forward Celebrates Its Twentieth Year!

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Reaching Forward on April 30, 2010, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This all day conference for library staff will bring back some of the most popular programs from previous Reaching Forward conferences and will offer a variety of new programs that speak to new trends and today’s economic times. Keynote Speaker Mikki Williams—an international speaker, trainer, consultant, coach, author, and media personality—will captivate the audience with her thought-provoking presentation as she mixes entertainment with humor and inspiration.

The lunchtime program, featuring book dramatist Barbara Rinella, will bring Jon Meacham’s Pulitzer-winning biography of Andrew Jackson to life.

New for this year will be Author Conversations. Meet local authors, set up a potential visit at your library, and purchase autographed books.

Some of the programs directly related to your job at the library include: "Taming Technolust: Planning in a Hyperlinked World," "Security Tips for Library Personnel," "Serving Job Seekers in Your Community," "Take This Job and Love It," "Readers Theater for Children," and so much more!

“I can still remember the very first planning meeting for the first conference. Believe it or not several of us are still around. I am both humbled and amazed when looking at the growth of Reaching Forward over the past twenty years,” reflects Committee Co-chair Tobi Oberman from the Skokie Public Library.

It’s not too early to register for Reaching Forward. ILA members use one form; nonmembers use another. It will be a great conference. You do not want to miss it!