A Professional Development Conference for Library Staff
Reaching Forward North is an annual professional development conference for library support staff in central and northern Illinois. With a commitment to providing quality training and information, Reaching Forward North strives to be the premier professional development opportunity in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas.
Reaching Forward North 2026
Save the Date!
Friday, May 22, 2026
Location
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL
Registration is now closed.
If you have any questions, please email ila@ila.org
Speaker Registration: January 6 - 17, 2025
Registration Opens: January 27, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: April 1, 2025
Closes: April 21, 2025
Reaching Forward Awards
Two awards are presented at the Reaching Forward Conference.
The Oberman and Rich Reaching Forward Conference Grant recognizes the contributions of a support staff member to the library community and the role of support staff in libraries. The recipient will receive free registration to the current year Reaching Forward Conference, an overnight stay at the Reaching Forward conference hotel, $50 for expenses, and a framed certificate.
The Robert Doyle ILA Conference Grant for Support Staff encourages ILA membership and support staff attendance at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. The recipient will receive a one-year ILA membership and full registration and expenses to attend the ILA Annual Conference, up to $1,000, and a framed certificate.
Conference Schedule
Event Website
Download the RFN Program Book
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8:30 - 9:00 a.m
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Morning Coffee, Exhibits, and Networking
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9:15 - 10:15 a.m
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Breakout Session 1
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10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
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Breakout Session 2
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11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m
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Luncheon and Awards
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12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
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Exhibits Break
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1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
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Breakout Session 3
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2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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Breakout Session 4
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iREAD Summer Reading Programs
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