Reaching Forward South Conference

 

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
iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »