Reaching Forward North Conference

  

A Professional Development Conference for Library Staff

Reaching Forward North is an annual professional development conference for library support staff in central and northern Illinois. With a commitment to providing quality training and information, Reaching Forward North strives to be the premier professional development opportunity in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas.

 

Reaching Forward North 2025

Reaching Forward North Thursday May 1, 2025

Reaching Forward North is Thursday, May 1! Yes, you read that correctly, RFN will be on a Thursday this year due to venue availability. But don’t worry, we’ll still have all the things you love about RFN: informative and interesting sessions, entertaining Performers’ Showcase, and exhibits of all sorts.

Location

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL

 

Registration is closed. There will be no on-site registration.

Conference registration includes morning coffee, a buffet lunch, and a full day of programming. Don't forget to add your dietary restrictions to your registration. 

 


Reaching Forward Awards

Two awards are presented at the Reaching Forward Conference.

The Oberman and Rich Reaching Forward Conference Grant recognizes the contributions of a support staff member to the library community and the role of support staff in libraries. The recipient will receive free registration to the current year Reaching Forward Conference, an overnight stay at the Reaching Forward conference hotel, $50 for expenses, and a framed certificate.

The Robert Doyle ILA Conference Grant for Support Staff encourages ILA membership and support staff attendance at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. The recipient will receive a one-year ILA membership and full registration and expenses to attend the ILA Annual Conference, up to $800, and a framed certificate.

 

Conference Schedule

Program Schedule

8:30 - 9:00 a.m

Morning Coffee, Exhibits, and Networking

9:15 - 10:15 a.m

Breakout Session 1

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Breakout Session 2

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m

Luncheon and Awards

12:45 - 1:15 p.m.

Exhibits Break

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Breakout Session 3

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Breakout Session 4

 

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 »