[ELGIN, ILL.] – July 8, 2025 – Library officials are proud to announce that the Gail Borden Public Library has been awarded the highly coveted John Cotton Dana Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the library world, f…
Geneva, IL – Geneva Public Library announces they received two prestigious PR Xchange Awards at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference held June 27–30 in Philadelphia, PA. These accolades were announced in early May by A…
Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Effingham Public Library, located in Effingham, Illinois. Library's History The first “public” library in Effingham was formed by the Effingham Ladies Library Associ…
Thank you for urging your Congressmember on the Appropriations Committee to support federal funding for libraries in this year’s budget process! It’s hard to tell yet how budget negotiations will play out, but we need to make sure t…
Dear Illinois Library Community, As I wrap up my term as President of the Illinois Library Association, I reflect with deep gratitude on an unforgettable year. Serving in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I’m incredibl…
This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Chris Houchens. Chris is the director of the Charleston Carnegie Public Library in Charleston, Illinois. He serves as a director-at-large on the ILA Executive Board, and a member of the ILA Finance…
Submit Legislative Proposals for the 2026 Session The ILA Public Policy Committee (PPC) is interested in hearing ideas regarding potential legislation from ILA members. To help us understand your concept and make a decision on supporting it, please a…
This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Kelly McCully. Kelly is the director of the Bourbonnais Public Library District, and a member of the ILA Awards Committee. We asked Kelly to answer a few professional and amusing questions. C…
The General Assembly spring session adjourned at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The $55 billion budget is one of the largest state budgets in history. Overall, our priorities did well, and we anticipate these bills will be going t…
Our latest Institutional Member Spotlight is on the Hillside Public Library, located in Hillside, Illinois. Library's history In 1955, Hillside’s Chamber of Commerce formed with the goal of creating a public library. With book donations f…