COVID-19 Update -- January 28, 2021

January 28, 2021

We continue to hear more news about vaccine eligibility for library staff. Please keep in mind that eligibility is only one component among several in the actual administering of vaccines; availability and distribution of doses, which are not without challenges, will also play a part.

To date, the following counties have agreed for library workers to be eligible in 1b or 1c:

  • NEW! DuPage County (at least, libraries appear on the form to register for vaccine appointments; we are awaiting confirmation of eligibility)
  • NEW! Lake County
  • Monroe County
  • Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department
  • Winnebago 


Madison County has declined to add library workers as eligible in 1b or 1c. Libraries have reached out and are still waiting to hear from the following counties:

  • Cook
  • Will


If anyone has news to share about your outreach and/or the status in your county, please let us know at ila@ila.org. Access our template letter here. Discussion continues regarding an approach for institutions of higher learning, likely focused on supporting eligibility for all front-facing university staff, including--but not favoring--academic librarians.

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 »