Illinois Library Association Unveils Stellar Lineup of Speakers for the 2024 Annual Conference
March 5, 2024
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Illinois Library Association Unveils Stellar Lineup of Speakers for the 2024 ILA Annual Conference
Nick Offerman, Mychal Threets, and Oge Mora Set to Share Their Stores and Wisdom
Chicago, IL—The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is delighted to announce the distinguished roster of speakers for the upcoming 2024 ILA Annual Conference. Among them are the versatile Nick Offerman, celebrated for his contributions as an Emmy award-winning actor, author, humorist, and woodworker; Librarian and social media sensation Mychal Threets; and acclaimed award-winning author and illustrator Oge Mora.
Scheduled for October 8-10 in Peoria, Illinois, the 2024 ILA Annual Conference promises to take participants on a journey igniting imagination and innovation under the theme "Libraries are Lit: Sparking Innovation and Imagination." The Illinois library community will come together to celebrate its role in fostering creativity, inspiring fresh ideas, and driving innovation within communities across the state.
During the Opening General Session on October 8, renowned actor and Emmy award winner Nick Offerman will take the stage. Hailing from Illinois, Offerman gained fame for his portrayal of the beloved Ron Swanson in the acclaimed TV series, Parks and Recreation. Recently honored with his first Emmy at the 75th annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards, he was awarded Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in HBO's The Last of Us. Beyond the screen, Offerman showcases his versatility as an author with several notable works, including Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop, The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, and Where the Deer and the Antelope.
Mychal Threets, a seasoned librarian and online sensation, will be featured at the President's Program on October 9. With a wealth of experience in various roles within librarianship, Threets serves as a guiding light and inspiration in the library community. His infectious positivity and optimistic worldview bring joy to all who engage with him, whether online or in person.
Collage artist and captivating storyteller, Oge Mora, will be the keynote speaker at the ILA Youth Services Forum's annual Author Breakfast on October 9. Mora's exceptional talent has garnered critical acclaim, earning her accolades including a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, and the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for her enchanting picture book Thank You, Omu! Her second book, Saturday, was awarded the 2020 Boston Globe—Horn Book Picture Book Award. Mora is a 2025 iREAD featured artist for the theme “Level Up at Your Library.”
For more information about ILA, or the 2024 ILA Annual Conference, please contact the ILA office at ila@ila.org.
About the Illinois Library Association
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is a professional membership organization that represents Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. Founded in 1896, it is the third-largest state library association and serves as a chapter within the American Library Association. Comprising 2,000 personal and more than 500 institutional members, made up of public, academic, school, and special libraries, as well as librarians, library staff, trustees, students, and library vendors belong to ILA.
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Kristin Pekoll
ILA Conference and Continuing Education Manager
Email: kpekoll@ila.org
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