Background
On August 1, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0056. This act amends the Local Library Act to require that all “libraries open to the public” must maintain a supply of opioid antagonists for use in assisting individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. The Act will become effective on January 1, 2026.
"Opioid antagonist" means a drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or recommended for use by the World Health Organization that, when administered, negates or neutralizes in whole or in part the pharmacological effects of an opioid in the body.
Memo
Julie Tappendorf from Ancel Glink authored a recent memo that addresses frequently asked questions regarding Public Act 104-0056.
Narcan
Live4Lali, an Illinois-based nonprofit, is happy to provide Narcan to any library in Illinois. They will deliver to any library in Cook, Lake, DuPage or McHenry County, and will ship it to any library outside of those counties. For more information, visit https://live4lali.org/
Events
RAILS Member Update
Wednesday, September 10, 3-4 pm (Online)
This event will feature an overview of the act by Ancel Glink attorney Julie Tappendorf, and we will be joined by Maggie Clemons, Chicago Public Library Deputy Commissioner of Library Operations and Patron Experience, who will share how CPL has partnered with the Chicago Department of Public Health since their Narcan Distribution Program rolled out in 2021. This event is open to any level of staff from any RAILS library. Watch the recording.
Training
Narcan Train the Trainer for Libraries
September 16, 2–4 p.m. (Online)
This free event is offered by the DuPage County Health Department. Registration is open for anyone.
Narcan Administration: Spotting the Signs and Responding with Confidence
November 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (Online)
In this workshop, Live4Lali will provide training to help you recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and confidently administer Narcan (naloxone) to reverse it. Participants will leave with practical, lifesaving skills they can use immediately in an emergency.
Resources
- Cook County Public Health Information about Naloxone
- Illinois Overdose Prevention Providers
- "How the Opiate Epidemic Came to the Library" by Trisha Noack and Roberta Koscielski, Peoria Public Library. ILA Reporter. 27 July 2018.
- Narcan at Chicago Public Libraries
- "Public Libraries are Key Players Fighting the Opioid Crisis. Here’s What Other Organizations Can Learn From Them." Syracuse University Blog.
- Opioid Crisis: Naloxone/Narcan. North Dakota State Library LibGuide.