Illinois Library Association

10/19/2026

It’s ! Show some to the Friends of the Library at your local branch this week—attend a book sale, send a thank-you card, write a letter, or, for the ultimate act of love, join the Friends!

National Friends of Libraries Week Awards
Two Friends groups will be awarded $250 each in honor of their celebrations during 2026 National Friends of Libraries Week. Applications will be accepted November 2-December 4, 2026. Winners will be announced in January 2027. https://bit.ly/NFOLWAwards

10/19/2026

Illinois voters head to the polls next month to decide races that will shape the state’s future. One of them is the Secretary of State, a race that matters to libraries because the office also serves as the State Librarian.

ILA contacted both candidates, Diane Harris (R) and incumbent Alexi Giannoulias (D), to get their perspectives on Illinois libraries. Hear from the candidates on the ILA website. https://bit.ly/ILSOS2026Candidates

10/18/2026

The American Library Association recently launched its traveling exhibition, “Pulitzer on the Road: Prize-Winning Works That Inform, Empower & Inspire,” at the Chicago Public Library.

The kickoff event featured a panel of Pulitzer Prize winners, including Percival Everett, Daniel Kraus, Amanda Vaill, and Jon Cherry, and was moderated by Pulitzer board member Jelani Cobb.

The exhibition will travel to 20 public libraries across the country. https://bit.ly/4k1FVZL

📷: American Library Association

10/17/2026

The Joliet Public Library is expanding resources and programming for Spanish-speaking residents with a new Spanish-language book club, additional free English Language Learning (ELL) classes, and one-on-one English tutoring.

The Joliet Public Library is expanding resources and programming for Spanish-speaking residents with a new Spanish-language book...

10/16/2026

Happy Friday! We hope everyone has a great weekend!

10/16/2026

The Chicago Public Library Foundation recently hosted its 2026 Awards, celebrating honorees: beloved children’s author and illustrator Mo Willems, Chicago literary star Gabriel Bump, and civic leader Helen Zell. https://bit.ly/26LFA

10/16/2026

ILA Institutional Members: Submit your photos for the ILA Member Photo of the Month!

Submit photos from the ILA Annual Conference, staff participating in community events, your anniversary celebrations, renovation projects, special visitors, bookmobiles, or any other noteworthy events.

Submit a photo with a description to [email protected] by Monday, October 26, 2026.

10/15/2026

The ILA Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for the 2027 Executive Board Election.

In April 2027, members will vote for the ILA Vice-President/President-elect, who should be an academic librarian, four Executive Board positions, and an ALA Councilor, who can be a public, school, academic, special, or library trustee representative. These are three-year terms beginning July 2027 and ending June 2030.

The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. More information is available on the ILA website. https://bit.ly/4dEyDY1

10/15/2026

The Glenwood-Lynwood Library celebrated the opening of a $145,000 outdoor Fitness Court and Studio on Friday, October 9, providing residents with a free place to exercise while expanding the library’s role as a community wellness center.

The Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District celebrated the opening of a $145,000 outdoor Fitness Court and Studio on Friday, Oct. 9.

10/14/2026

Did you attend this year's ILA Annual Conference? Tell us what you thought!

Planning for next year’s conference is about to begin, and we’d love to hear from you. Tell us what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d like to see more or less of, whether it’s the sessions, speakers, or exhibitors. The survey closes at noon on Friday, October 16, 2026. https://bit.ly/ILAAC26Survey