Governor Signs "Liquor in Libraries" Bill

July 19, 2016

On July 15, it became legal for libraries to serve alcohol during educational or cultural events, thanks to the efforts of the ILA Public Policy Committee and others. Senate Bill 399 amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934, and was signed into law by Governor Rauner after passing both houses of the Illinois General Assembly.  It permits the sale of alcoholic beverages within any building owned by a library district if its board of trustees approves. Under the provisions of this proposal, each library's board of trustees is required to have a written policy governing how and when alcohol can be sold, and provide proof of insurance before approval of liquor sales at a specific event. This bill allows library districts to generate much-needed revenue to be reinvested back into our libraries.

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 »