A Professional Development Conference for Library Staff
Reaching Forward South is an annual professional development conference for library support staff in central and southern Illinois. With a commitment to providing quality training and information, Reaching Forward South strives to be the premier professional development opportunity in the downstate area.
Reaching Forward South 2026
Save the Date!
Friday, April 10, 2026
2026 Location
The Regency Conference Center
400 Regency Park
O'Fallon, IL 62269
Revolutionary Service: Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future
From making materials and resources widely accessible to providing a welcoming place for everyone, libraries have always fulfilled a revolutionary purpose. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, amid a heightened need for library advocacy, Reaching Forward South focuses on the groundbreaking ways library service continues to evolve. The conference committee invites proposals about how your revolutionary library work serves your community.
Conference Schedule
| 8:00 - 8:45 a.m |
Morning Coffee, Exhibits, and Networking |
| 8:45 - 9:00 a.m. |
Welcome |
| 9:00 - 10:00 a.m |
Breakout Session 1 |
| 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. |
Breakout Session 2 |
| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m |
Breakout Session 3 |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch |
| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
Breakout Session 4 |
| 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. |
Breakout Session 5 |
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