Message from ILA President Amy Byers
June 24, 2025
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Dear Illinois Library Community,
As I wrap up my term as President of the Illinois Library Association, I reflect with deep gratitude on an unforgettable year. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’m incredibly thankful to all of you—members, staff, and library advocates—for your support, energy, and commitment to our shared mission.
From day one, I felt the strength of this community. Whether we were advocating for equitable access, celebrating achievements, or navigating shifting landscapes together, I was continually inspired by the passion, resilience, and creativity that define the Illinois library community.
Our Annual Conference last October was a true high point. Under the theme “Libraries Are Lit: Sparking Innovation & Imagination,” we gathered in joy, curiosity, and friendship. Listening to keynote speakers like Nick Offerman, Mychal Threets, and Imani Barbarin; engaging in thoughtful sessions; and simply reconnecting with one another reminded me of the powerful spark we ignite when we come together. It was more than a conference—it was a celebration of who we are.
This year, I was especially proud to shine a light on individuals who have shaped our profession through the Illinois Library Luminary Program. Honoring Ellen Popit, Diane McNulty, and Carol Vaughan Kissane was a privilege. Their legacies are a gift to all of us.
We also continued to grow and strengthen our association by welcoming Illinois Libraries Present, the Human Resources & Administration Forum, and Reaching Forward South into ILA. These additions reflect our expanding vision for how ILA can be responsive to our members' evolving needs. I’m also proud of our new membership benefit with Amazon, which provides practical tools to support our day-to-day work.
Yet the year was not without its challenges. At the federal level, we encountered real headwinds in maintaining critical funding and support. IMLS and LSTA remain essential to our services, and we know how fragile that support can be. ILA has stood firm, working with partners, engaging legislators, and mobilizing advocates to ensure our voices are heard. That advocacy work must—and will—continue, because our communities can’t afford anything less.
As my final act as President, I’ll be accepting the 2025 Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award at the ALA Annual Conference. This award recognizes the powerful grassroots movement we’ve built through the Unite Against Book Bans initiative, standing up to book-banning efforts across our state. It’s the unwavering commitment of so many individuals—supporting one another and defending intellectual freedom—that continues to move us forward and inspire lasting change.
I feel immense pride in our accomplishments and total confidence in what lies ahead. ILA is in excellent hands with incoming President Carolyn Ciesla and President-Elect Rene Leyva. I know that under their guidance, ILA will continue to grow, lead, and advocate on behalf of libraries and the people who depend on them.
I urge all of us to continue championing the vital role of librarians—advocating boldly, leading with heart, and showing the world just how essential we are to education, equity, and community connection.
I leave this role feeling inspired, hopeful, and forever grateful to be part of this extraordinary community. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president.
Amy Byers
Outgoing President
Illinois Library Association
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