ILA E-Newsletter

Legislative Update -- April 17, 2025
April 18, 2025
Today, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias shared a message to the Illinois library community. The message is about proposed legislation to improve security at libraries and enhance safety for librarians across Illi…
Illinois Libraries Present Season 5 Registration Open!
April 18, 2025
ILA is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Season 5 of Illinois Libraries Present (ILP)! Another incredible season awaits, packed with top-tier entertainment and literary brilliance. Season 5 kicks off with an exciting lineup …
2025 Reaching Forward Award Recipients Announced
April 18, 2025
The ILA Reaching Forward North Committee has selected Annamarie Magnelli and Kate Kresek as recipients of the 2025 Reaching Forward Awards.  Annamarie Magnelli, a library assistant in the Kids World at Eisenhower Public Libra…
A Message from Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias
April 17, 2025
Dear Library Colleagues, I’m writing to share some important news about proposed legislation that our office is spearheading designed specifically to improve security at libraries and enhance safety for librarians across Illinois. House Bill 27…
Member Spotlight - Becky Spratford
April 14, 2025
This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Becky Spratford, a librarian and author who is actively involved in the Illinois library community. She currently serves on the ILA Executive Board. We asked Becky to answer a few professional and amusi…
Joint Statement on Changes at the Institute of Museum and Library Services
April 10, 2025
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is undergoing significant changes that may impact the Illinois library community. We know many of you are following the latest developments, but for those who are uncertain about what is happening, …
Attorneys General Form Coalition to Protect Library Funding
April 7, 2025
On April 4, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and …
Institutional Member Spotlight - Dunlap Public Library District
April 7, 2025
Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Dunlap Public Library District located in Dunlap, Illinois.  Library's History The Dunlap Library began in 1939 when four local women, Myrtle Wilmot, Vesta Stephenson, Mabel Elwell, and Vi…
Legislative Update -- April 3, 2025
April 3, 2025
On Thursday, March 27, Secretary of State & State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias sent a letter to Illinois libraries responding to the executive order requiring that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and six oth…
Message About IMLS Funding Cuts from Secretary of State & State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias
April 2, 2025
On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order mandating the elimination of seven agencies, including one that funds libraries around the country – the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The executive order, which we belie…
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 »