Small and Rural Libraries Forum (SARL)

Small and Rural Libraries Forum

The Small and Rural Libraries Forum represents the interests of small and rural libraries in Illinois, provides a forum for staff at all levels and trustees to discuss issues of particular interest to small and rural libraries, and encourages active participation in Illinois library organizations. 

News

Apply for the Small and Rural Libraries ILA Annual Conference Grant!
June 9, 2025
Apply for the Small and Rural Libraries ILA Annual Conference Grant! Small and rural library staff are encouraged to apply for the Small and Rural Libraries ILA Annual Conference Grant. The purpose of this grant is to encourage ILA mem…
SARL Meetups: Sun Meals To Go
March 10, 2025
Please join the ILA Small and Rural Libraries Forum (SARL) for a virtual meetup on topics chosen by you, for you: Sun Meals To-Go!  Sun Meals To-Go allows summer meal sponsors in low-income rural areas to provide pick-up or home delive…
Member Spotlight - Jessica Rodrigues
November 25, 2024
This week's member spotlight is on Jessica Rodrigues. Jessica is the Director of the Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library and a member of the ILA Reaching Forward North Committee and the ILA Small and Rural Libraries Forum.  We asked…

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Events

  1. Jul 24 2025

    SARL Meetups: Library Insurance Basics

    Thursday, Jul 24, 2025 2:00pm–3:00pm

  2. Aug 14 2025

    ILA Small and Rural Libraries Forum Meeting

    Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 2:00pm–3:00pm

  3. Aug 28 2025

    SARL Meetup: Database Deep Dive

    Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 2:00pm–3:00pm

More events »

Fill out the form below if you're interested in joining an ILA Forum.

ILA Forum Interest Form

Forum Leadership

  1. Sherry Waldrep Sherry Waldrep, Manager Director at Allerton Public Library District
    Term ends 06/30/2027
  2. Leander Spearman Leander Spearman, Board liaison Director at Belleville Public Library
    Term ends 06/30/2028
  3. Cathy Grafton Cathy Grafton, Member Library Director at Odell Public Library District
    Term ends 06/30/2026
  4. Donald Pippin Donald Pippin, Member Director at Philo Public Library District
    Term ends 06/30/2026
  5. Jessica Rodrigues Jessica Rodrigues, Member Director at Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library District
    Term ends 06/30/2026
  6. Rachel A Ballenger Rachel A Ballenger, Member Library Director at Towanda District Library
    Term ends 06/30/2027
  7. Travis J. Givens Travis J. Givens, Member Director at Tolono Public Library
    Term ends 06/30/2027
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 »