Betsy Mahoney, Six Mile Regional Library District
Statement of Concern
Now more than ever, librarians are juggling the all the needs of their community under increased scrutiny and stretched budgets. The work can feel stressful and isolating one day, then joyous and empowering the next. Being part of the ILA community helps mitigate those isolating days and celebrate the joyous days.
The ILA board and staff have actively sought out ways to reach library workers throughout the state creating new forums and investing in continuing education for staff at every level. I have long admired their commitment to continuing education and professional growth. For many of the members, this is where they are interacting with ILA the most. Through my work on the Reaching Forward South and Intellectual Freedom committees, I have seen the importance of continuing education and networking. Whether “zooming” into a free Noon Network event, attending one of the many conferences throughout the year, or networking in one of ILA’s many forums, the value is unmeasurable to members. These events help members discover new ideas for their libraries, as well as find resilience when things do not go as planned.
As an executive board member, I would support the growth opportunities of Illinois library workers. Providing these opportunities, as well as volunteering for committee work, build stronger librarians to serve their communities and weather future storms. I will prioritize every member’s return on their ILA investment through educational and networking opportunities. I am at my happiest working in the background to shine a light on all the amazing things our library colleagues are doing by empowering members to network, join committees, and present. I look forward to doing just that in a larger scale on the ILA Executive Board. I am here to tell you - YOU ARE DOING AMAZING WORK!
Experience
Six Mile Regional Library District
Assistant Director & Johnson Road Manager 2016–present
Research and Instruction Librarian 2015–2016
Madison County Law Library
Law Librarian 2010–2015
Education
MLS, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
BA Art History, minor Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Professional Memberships and Activities
Illinois Library Association, Member
Public Policy Committee 2017–2020
Intellectual Freedom Committee 2021–2023
Co-Chair 2022–2023
Awards Committee 2024–Present
Metro East Library Legislative Breakfast Coordinator, 2016–2019
Illinois Heartland Library System Board of Directors, Special Library Representative 2011–2014
IHLS Nominating Committee 2015–2017
Reaching Forward South Committee, Member 2018–2025
Chair, 2020–2024
SHARE Finance and Policy Committee, 2021–Present
Chair, 2024–Present
Speaking Engagements
Conferences
Illinois Library Association Annual Conference 2018, 2022
Reaching Forward South 2019, 2023
Illinois Heartland Library System Member Day 2021
Director’s University 2.0 2022
Webinars
ILA Noon Network 2022, 2023
CARLI 2023
IHLS 2024
iREAD Summer Reading Programs
Latest Library JobLine Listings
