Networking Groups

We are a group of library professionals that create programming dedicated to the 20s and 30s age group. We meet quarterly, and have a Google group for idea sharing and networking.

Open to managers, department heads and supervisors of adult services units or similar service areas in public libraries with populations between 50,000 and 80,000 (and up). We meet to network and discuss a wide range of issues, including: multi-level management, material formats, innovative services, reorganization and re-spacing, joint conference proposals, flexible technology, patron education, strategic thinking, etc.

Please join us if you fit this description! We welcome your input and company.

ASMR (Adult Services Managers Roundtable) meets quarterly (February, May, August and November) on the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30am. This group is open to managers, department heads and supervisors of adult services in libraries of all sizes. Please register on the L2 calendar for our next meeting and join us!

You can also email the List (subscribers only): adultmanagers@list.railslibraries.org

For directions on how to subscribe, visit https://railslibraries.org/networking/listserv-faqs

Low and no cost programming. By working together we strive to create a network of fellow librarians. Our goals of this program are how to efficiently utilize your community, learning to effectively use one another and our libraries as resources through program sharing. 

We are a networking group for all assistant managers, assistant department heads, and supervisors who work in public libraries in Illinois. This includes any supervisor or assistant manager who reports to a department head and has their own full- or part-time staff reports, or department heads with a small staff. Adult Services, Youth Services, Circulation, Teen or Technical Services - all are welcome!

A Central IL group of rural directors of smallish libraries. We meet on the 3rd on the Wednesdays* from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. nine months of the year, with summers focused on our reading programming. All library directors in the area are welcome to join us, share, and learn from one another. We have a Facebook group (Association of Rural Community Directors ARC) that we post meeting dates and locations at, as well as agenda items.

*Our meeting dates do change on occasion due to our programing needs.

Ayer PLD (Delavan), Mackinaw DPL, Tremont DPL, Deer Creek DPL, Danvers TPL, H.A. Peine Memorial PL (Minier), Heyworth PLD, Farmer City TPL, Atlanta TPL, and Waynesville TPL make up this group.

ATLAS is an organization of public libraries in the south & southwest suburbs of Chicago dedicated to provide networking and continuing education opportunities for librarians, staff and trustees.

We are a formal organization dedicated to providing continuing education and networking opportunities for our members. Membership is open to any RAILS public library, for an annual membership fee of $50 with the understanding that most meetings and workshops will take place in the south/southwest suburbs.

Non-member libraries can still participate in continuing education programs for a higher fee.

In addition to ATLAS Presents, the CE component of ATLAS, we will also have a monthly Directors' Discussion Group, open to all public library directors who are members of ATLAS. We generally meet the second Thursday of every month. Topics include areas of commonality in system, state, and local levels.

AVID is a forum for staff at libraries in Illinois to converse and learn about audiovisual topics. The group covers subjects related to audiovisual formats, marketing, programming, new technologies, and to network and troubleshoot with other AV staff members.

This group aims to foster connection, share resources and discuss specific experiences in a safe, welcome, and open space for all library workers members who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color.

We are a group of outreach specialists, librarians, managers, and support staff dedicated to bringing outreach services to meet the unique needs of each of our libraries populations. We meet to share programming ideas, marketing tips, and ways to partner with community organizations. We promote and advocate for outreach as an essential library service. Whether you use a bookmobile, library van, or your personal car to reach your patrons, this group has something of interest to anyone working in outreach.

Basic information can also be found here: https://blongoutreach.wordpress.com/

We encourage you to work with Outreach Services staff and organizations.
Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), a national association and affiliate of ALA:
http://abos-outreach.com

Serving Patrons with Dementia, a RAILS/IHLS networking group:
https://www.railslibraries.info/community/groups/serving-patrons-dementia-group

Open to all library staff. Topics of discussion include information relating to business services offered by the library and librarians, including for job searchers, local businesses, and financial literacy.

A networking group for library staff who are involved in Career Online High School. COHS provides library patrons the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma at their public library. Best practices, marketing, and student stories are all discussed at meetings.

Established in 2010, CIRCL is a continuing education support group for youth and teen librarians located in Central Illinois (about a 60 mi. radius from Peoria, IL). We share resources, and provide professional educational opportunities for librarians serving youth ages 0-18 and their families. A group for Young Adult Librarians was also started at this time to provide networking and support for those working within this specialty.

The Chicago Area Library Volunteer Administrators Network is a professional group for library volunteer administrators in the Chicago area. We meet quarterly on a Wednesday morning via Zoom.

Go to the L2 calendar to find the next meeting and Zoom link. We always welcome new members.

For minutes from our past meetings, click here.

CASLN exists as a networking group for school librarians. We are inclusive of all information specialists: library students, college professors, retired professionals, and technology coaches. Join us as we support each other, advocate for school librarianship in the Chicago Area, and share resources.

Website
https://casln-aisle.weebly.com/

The Chicago Chapter of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (CCBCALA) is an affiliate of BCALA and was formed in 1973 to improve library services and librarianship in the Chicago Metropolitan area. This purpose aligns with the national organization's mission to serve as an "advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation's African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians."

CLASS is a professional organization of public youth librarians who are within the service area of RAILS and south of Interstate I-55(Stevenson Expressway).

The principal purpose of CLASS is to provide continuing education through an open avenue of exchange of materials, ideas and programs pertinent to Youth Services and to promote cooperation among public library members.

Circulation Managers from North Suburban Public Libraries meet quarterly to discuss topics of mutual interest, circulation policies and procedures, resource sharing, technology, and to bring members up-to-date on happenings at their libraries. All RAILS Circulation Managers are welcome to attend and everyone is encouraged to add topics to the agenda.

Anyone interested in Circulation topics is invited to join us at our quarterly meeting. This group strives to network and get feedback on items impacting libraries. This meeting is open to Circulation Managers/Supervisors or a representative.

This networking group is made up of librarians who are responsible for any aspect of the selecting and/or purchasing of collections. We meet quarterly discuss various topics, ideas, and trends concerning all areas of collection development in public libraries. All are welcome!

To join our listserv: 

Send an email to listserv@list.railslibraries.org with message text:

subscribe collectiondev [your first name] [your last name]

(It is recommended that you delete your email signature from this message.)

You will be sent an automatic reply with a link to confirm your email address. RAILS staff will need to approve your subscription request.

The Community Engagement group invites participation from professional and support staff working in libraries with the intention of connecting libraries, residents and community partners to bring about positive change. Whether you've been trained in the Harwood Institute's Turning Outward approach or are just starting to explore the idea of community partnerships, join us to share your goals, successes, and ideas for connecting with your community.

Group of Chicago-area library staff that meets quarterly to discuss classes, programs, and issues related to technology training in libraries.

Data is crucial to the understanding services our users want and how to develop new services to meet new needs. The Data in Libraries Networking Group is place to share ideas on how to interpret and use data in libraries. This group is open to any library worker employed in any RAILS member library.

Data is critical to understanding and representing the value of services, tools and resources in school libraries. The Data Networking in School Libraries Group is a place to share ideas on the access and application of data in school library settings. This group is open to any school library staff member employed by a school library.

Libraries have an important role in mitigating the digital divide. We provide access to the internet and connected devices, offer digital skills training, and keep patrons informed about new technology. Participants in this group will work together to identify barriers that stand in the way of digital equity and will share solutions and opportunities for bridging the digital divide in their local communities, working toward a connected Illinois. All Illinois library workers are welcome. 

This group aims to foster the importance of a shared understanding of the inclusive library metadata practices in Illinois libraries. This group will also provide advice and support for Illinois libraries to create and maintain more equitable, diverse, and inclusive metadata content.

The Digital Library of Illinois is an OverDrive consortium that provides eBooks and eAudiobooks to the member libraries. It is managed by the Electronic Content Consortium (ECC).

The Electronic Content Consortium is an entirely member-driven consortium which aims to achieve economies of scale by jointly negotiating and purchasing electronic content as may be deemed appropriate and authorized by the Member Libraries.

Open to librarians, meets bimonthly, communication via a Google Groups list. Discusses issues and information regarding services and databases delivered electronically. Vendor demos and troubleshooting issues are commonly on the agenda.

Contact: Bill Pardue, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, bpardue@ahml.info

eMediaLibrary is an consortium of 24 libraries throughout Illinois that provides eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines via Overdrive. This group provides a way for staff from member libraries to discuss issues and tips.

Current members:

• Addison Public Library
• Batavia Public Library
• Bensenville Community Public Library
• Carol Stream Public Library
• Chicago Ridge Public Library
• Downers Grove Public Library
• Franklin Park Public Library District
• Geneva Public Library District
• Glen Ellyn Public Library
• Helen Plum Library
• Hinsdale Public Library
• Indian Prairie Public Library
• Lisle Library District
• Messenger Public Library
• Oak Brook Public Library
• O'Fallon Public Library
• Poplar Creek Public Library District
• Roselle Public Library District
• St. Charles Public Library
• Sugar Grove Public Library
• Town and Country Public Library District
• Warrenville Public Library District
• Wheaton Public Library
• Winfield Public Library

Are you interested in meeting with like-minded Youth Services library staff to discuss diversity of all kinds? Whether it be hiring diverse presenters, planning inclusive programming, selecting diverse materials for collection development and more...we want to discuss it! Join us to help diversify Youth Services.

We're a group of librarians from either for-profit or small academic libraries who come together to share experiences, ideas, and best practices. We support one another through successes and challenges. We communicate through email, in-person, and online meetings. Our group is open to any Illinois library staff that defines themselves as working in a for-profit or small academic library.

This networking group meets four times a year to discuss their genealogy and local history activities and collections at their libraries. Occasional speakers and programs are also part of the meetings. Other information about the group can be viewed at https://sites.google.com/site/glhlibrarians/.

HSLI sponsors and supports activities which promote and develop health science library services in Illinois. Our members promote health literacy by providing reputable health related resources to Illinois health care providers and consumers through resource sharing of library collections through interlibrary loan, training in selection of and access to health related resources, and collaborative reference initiatives to respond to provider and consumer health questions.

HSLI encourages the continuing education of its membership by sponsoring appropriate education programs. We encourage dialogue among our members and promote cooperation among libraries in Illinois by strengthening cooperative relationships with academic, public, and special libraries, and with organizations which establish and promote multi-type library cooperation activities. HSLI provides a mechanism for interaction with, and communication to and from, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region, the Midwest Chapter/MLA, and the Illinois State Library.

HSLI is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

The Heart of Illinois Library Marketing Group serves as a way to connect regional library staff who facilitate communications and marketing for their public libraries. Anyone who handles related responsibilities for their library is welcome to join. The purpose of the group is to provide opportunities for networking, problem solving, and resource sharing related to library marketing. The group meets quarterly at different member library locations to discuss relevant issues and trends, best practices, and communication tools. The group also has a Facebook group for collaboration and sharing.

For more information, contact Beth Weimer at beth@fondulaclibrary.org or 309-699-3917.

The Illinois Association of College and Research Libraries (IACRL) is a forum of the Illinois Library Association (ILA) and a chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Academic libraries in this document are defined as college, community, technical and junior colleges and university libraries as well as research libraries not affiliated with academic institutions.

The mission of IACRL is to promote the interests of academic libraries and the personnel of those libraries; to enhance the abilities of academic library personnel to identify and meet the information needs of current and potential library users; and to develop and promote leadership to the academic library community.

Mission

The Illinois Joint Library Programming Group provides high-quality online events at equitable prices for participating member libraries of all sizes and budgets.

Goals

• To provide high-quality, high-profile events that highlight national names and social justice/DEI issues, that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for single libraries to hold on their own

• To reduce costs and maximize reach by taking advantage of both virtual event platforms and the collective buying power of RAILS members.

• To allow access to all libraries as equitably as possible, by aligning each library's cost to participate with the size of their operating budget

• To define clear and distinct roles among the Joint Programming Group and the participating libraries, including patron contact points, marketing, invoicing, etc.

The Illinois Solo Librarians Network (ISLN) was formerly known as the Chicago Area Solo Librarians (CASL). This group was formed in 2001 by some solo librarians in Chicago who wanted to meet and network, to commiserate and celebrate, the challenges of life as a solo librarian. Solo librarians are those who run their library as the sole professional librarian, though sometimes they may have a library assistant or interns. This group meets virtually via Zoom.

Meetings

2023

• Friday, March 24, 12-1pm Central - Register via L2
• Friday, June 16, 12-1 pm Central
• Friday, September 15, 12-1pm Central
• Friday, December 15, 12-1 pm Central

Contact

If interested in learning more about this group, please contact Laura Brettholle, laura.brettholle@oldtownschool.org or Dan Bostrom, dan.bostrom@railslibraries.info.

JLNMC is the Chicago-area chapter of the Association of Jewish Libraries. Membership is open to any interested individual or library within the Chicago area and its suburbs. We hold 1 planning meeting every year, and present programs in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

The Kankakee Area Library Association (KALA) includes academic, public, school, and special libraries based within Kankakee County, Illinois and the surrounding areas. KALA members recognize that through the cooperative efforts of libraries, it is possible to provide more resources and maintain a greater political presence. KALA's primary objectives are:

1. Promote professional development of librarians and para-professionals.
2. Promote the freedom to read and the right to affordable access to information.
3. Promote the cooperation between all types of libraries to increase efficiency in service.
4. Support education, literacy, and personal development.
5. Work as a group to promote the welfare of libraries.
6. Work as a group to promote affordable library service to unserved areas.

Blog: https://kalamembers.wordpress.com/

Since 1954, LACONI has been introducing library staff to new technologies and ideas, best practices, and popular programs for children and adults. LACONI is comprised of six different sections which offer programs designed to enhance skills and knowledge of library staff in their area of expertise.

Those sections each work together to plan 3-5 programs annually. If your employing library is a member organization, staff may attend those programs at no extra charge. For library workers who want to attend relevant programs but their employer is not a member, a program fee is charged.

In 2023, the LACONI Organization will be launching the H.E.L.P. Directory. The Highly Effective Library Programmers Directory is a reimagination of the previous Harvest of Presenters (Youth) and Best of the Best (Adult) lists. It will list programmer recommendations vetted by Library Staff.

LAMPS provides a forum for free exchange of ideas and experiences across libraries and departments.

We're a group of librarians, and library staff, aiming to joyfully celebrate the unique growth and development of children through resource sharing and continuing education to further library programming. We meet quarterly to discuss all things storytime, collection development, play areas and more for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Libraries English And Reading Network (LEARN) comprises mainly library and non-profit organization staff members interested in providing materials and services to adults learning to read, speak, and understand English. The group shares ideas about providing and marketing services, maintains a database of organizations that offer those services, and investigates and publicizes funding opportunities. Any library staffer in the Chicago area who is involved with assisting adults learning to read and/or speak English is welcome to join. For more information, contact Joe Popowitch joep@ippl.info.

Primarily library directors in Dekalb County and those just over neighboring county lines.

LAANG is a virtual networking group open to administrative assistants, business managers, office managers, and HR assistants in Illinois public libraries. This informal group covers topics related to board meetings, procedures, training opportunities, continuing education, resources, technology, and networking with other administrative professionals. Each meeting includes an open forum for group discussion and feedback.

Contact:  Stacy Palmisano, Special Projects Coordinator, RAILS. 
stacy.palmisano@railslibraries.org

Library Early Learning Advocates (LELA) is a public library networking group comprised of early learning, early childhood, and early literacy library professionals who support each other's efforts as they inquire, evaluate, and create opportunities to raise awareness about the critical period of brain development that occurs during a child's first five years of life. This group explores and shares ways to support early childhood caregivers and families with children ages birth-five, through library programs, resources, services, and community engagement, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.

If you work with families, early childhood educators, childcare providers and other caregivers of children ages 5 and younger in any capacity - this group is for you!

This is a multi-type library networking group for librarians in the southwestern portion of RAILS. Member libraries host the quarterly meetings to share information and experiences and discuss issues and concerns.

Whether you're already up and running or just thinking about getting your Makerspace started, come and share your ideas with this new networking group! We're the right spot to ignite new ideas for the natural-born maker or the novice. Join library leaders from both sides of this spectrum to share experiences researching, building and rethinking the library and Maker communities.

We want to spark conversation and expand your support network no matter where you are on your Makerspace journey.

We work collaboratively via the email list and also use the spreadsheet below to share maker info and resources: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eiT0hThR17EkS9-22h-ScgVsVMYY4Z5nHwNBmvhhIEM/edit#gid=779115536

Youth Services Managers - who serve children, teens, or both - meet every other month to discuss management topics in the company of a supportive peer network. When meetings are held in-person, they are typically held in the south and west suburbs, but all RAILS YS Managers are welcome to attend.

Meetings are currently still being held only via online video conferencing software (camera use optional) but when meetings are once again held in person, all meetings will provide an online conferencing option (hybrid) for accessibility purposes.

Known as Near West South Side (NWSS) YS Managers group prior to 2017.

Group of 56 public libraries throughout the Chicagoland suburbs offering access to Media On Demand, a shared e-book, e-audiobook, and e-magazine collection.

The ATLAS Middle Managers Round Table (AMMRT) is an informal round table discussion group open to all library middle managers and supervisors. Round Table meetings are held every other month and are located at libraries in the South Suburbs. The focus of AMMRT is issues and best practices of library middle management.

This round table was developed as an ATLAS networking opportunity, but is open to all middle managers, not just those from ATLAS member libraries.

This networking group meets quarterly to discuss administrative issues and best practices. Occasionally, a guest speaker is also on the agenda. It's a great way to network with librarians in our specific geographical area in northwest Illinois. All library types are welcome.

NILRC connects, advances, and advocates for community college libraries. For more information, please visit: www.nilrc.org

The Newbie Directors' Group was formed in 2015 when there was an influx of new public library directors in the north central/northwest part of the state. We have continued to meet and add new directors regularly. The group helps answer questions, shares ideas and information, and discusses library topics.

We are adult programmers of the North Suburbs of Chicago. We meet to talk about collaboration opportunities, program ideas, share presenter contact information, newsletters, and anything else related to programming for adults.

Youth Services Managers from RAILS public libraries meet every other month to discuss relevant topics. NYM meetings are located in north-east Illinois, but all Youth Services Managers are welcome to attend.

We are a facilities group designed to enhance networking and increase knowledge of the trade through quarterly meetings at various libraries throughout the state. Within this group is decades of knowledge in running facilities, and a wealth of information that can be utilized by anyone in the trade.

OMNI Overdrive consortia https://omnilibraries.overdrive.com/ is comprised of over 80 public libraries across northern Illinois to provide e-book, e-audio and video content via Overdrive. Member libraries contribute funds for consortia purchases, discuss new features, training, purchasing and issues.

This group is by and for those who supervise or manage library pages, shelvers and/or materials handlers.

Topics routinely addressed are hiring and training staff. Maintaining library collections, working with other departments and the differences in workflow and priorities at individual libraries.

This is a group of mostly public library directors in and around the Peoria region that meets to discuss topics of interest. PALS is a legacy group from the Alliance Library System.

Are you a collaborative and innovative Adult Services leader located in Lake or McHenry county? Then join us! We support managers, department heads, and supervisors of Adult Services in public libraries. Topics during meetings include leadership, services, innovation, organizational structure & culture, technology, strategy, budgeting, programming, and the kitchen sink!

Feel free to join even if your library is in a different county; we accept everyone!

Members and guests from suburban Chicagoland meet once per month in September-May to share storytime ideas. Libraries take turns hosting the meeting, and members suggest the monthly topics each year.

This is a group for librarians and library staff who do preschool outreach programming, both including traditional preschool outreach services like story times for children 5 years old and under at preschools and child care centers, as well as other outreach services to the community involving preschool children.

Discussion topics include:

• Developing relationships with preschools, child care centers and other community organizations
• Program planning - story time themes, favorite materials shared with different age groups, favorite diverse books
• Tips and tricks for the unique environment of preschool outreach (i.e. story time to infants when there is not the handy one-on-one format of an in-library lapsit story time, story time spaces, etc.)
• Programming for groups with second language learners, kids on the autism spectrum, kids with disabilities, or other unique programming considerations
• Equipment - Sharing successes with different types of equipment used for transport of programming supplies (bags, carts, electronics (speakers, tablets), flannel boards)
• Effective scheduling practices
• Other events and preschool outreach activities - Preschool Fairs, parent or teacher education sessions, summer reading program at preschools, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten at preschools, intergenerational story times, story times at shelters, outreach to incarcerated individuals with children, and anything else your library might offer or want to offer when it comes to outreach for early childhood.

Preschool Partnerships is a networking group for library staff who provide services, programs and outreach to preschools and childcare centers. We meet 4 times a year at different libraries, primarily in the Northern Suburbs. Each meeting includes discussion of a special topic, time to share questions/current successes or challenges, and a tour of the host library. Past meeting topics include:

• Services to educators (including material requests, teacher cards and preschool fairs)
• Storytime and outreach visit best practices
• Programs for preschoolers beyond storytime
• Media Mentorship
• Feedback from patrons (how to get it and what to do with it)
• Summer Reading Round-up

We are a group of programmers that meet quarterly in the north suburban Chicago area. We have an active email listserv that also includes programmers from other areas.

This group is for librarians and library staff who plan/run programming for seniors/older adults in public libraries. Programming for older adults can be challenging as they are a varied and often overlooked group. During these meetings, we will share ideas for all facets of programming, including outside presenters, governmental organizations, resources for seniors, and how to create opportunities for socialization, and the physical, emotional and mental well-being for our senior populations.  

This group meets quarterly on Zoom for one hour, the first Friday of the month.  Registration and Zoom link on L2.

2023 Dates

Friday, December 1, 10:00 a.m. (inaugural meeting)

2024 Dates

Friday, March 1, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, June 7, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, September 6, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. 

Join us for our quarterly RAILS Assistant Directors networking group meeting, for anyone at a RAILS library working in an Assistant Director or similar position. Administrators from all library types are welcome.

Meetings are typically in the morning on the third or fourth Friday of January, April, July and October. Specific dates and locations are posted to L2.

A group of library directors from city libraries across RAILS. City libraries are governed by an appointed board. This group supports one another in discussing the unique issues facing city libraries and helping to answer difficult questions.

The RAILS Music Librarianship Group welcomes members from academic, public, school, or special library settings. Music Programming, Collection Development, Listeners Advisory and more will be open for discussion.  This group is open to anyone with a passion for music and librarianship.

We're an informal group that discusses the latest issues in processing, vendors, collection management, cataloging, and more. Everyone is encouraged to add topics to the agenda and the meetings are open to all levels of staff.

RAIG helps librarians and support staff in Chicagoland develop, improve and update their readers advisory skills.

By connecting patrons with books they'll enjoy, we restore the human connection to libraries.

We meet at 9:30 on the third Thursday of every other month to discuss a particular genre or author and to share what we've been reading.

Check us out on Facebook!

Recharge Committee is an independent networking and professional development group that provides free continuing education in the Chicago area to inspire library leaders at all levels.

This group provides information and networking opportunities to librarians who serve Spanish-speaking communities. Information shared focuses on collection development, programming, and overall library services in Spanish. The group also works to recruit prospective bilingual and bicultural librarians, as well as providing scholarship aid for students.

Renegade Reference of West Central Illinois is a networking group. We welcome anyone who plans programs, works a service desk, makes decisions about library technology, does readers' advisory, manages a collection, etc., whether or not they work in a Reference department.

Rural Directors is a long established networking group of library directors in West Central Illinois. The group meets once a month at member libraries. Agendas include a previously chosen topic of interest and items of current importance.

Join youth services librarians in the Reaching Across Illinois Library System Area, as they share program and storytime ideas for children and teens. This group is for people who work with the youth in our libraries.

We are a group of School Services Librarians serving grades K-12. Meetings are typically held alternately on the second Monday or Tuesday of every other month during the school year. We begin at 9:15 a.m. with introductions and conversation. The discussion portion runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This networking group does not charge dues.

Sign up for our email list by sending an email to listserv@list.railslibraries.org, using the subject line "subscribe schoolfacilitators" and your first and last name. 

Visit our website here.

Meeting of the minds to discuss programs and services libraries offer to people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Growth of the Age 85 and Older Population The number of Americans in their 80s, 90s and beyond is expected to grow dramatically due to the aging of the large baby-boom cohort. This will lead to an increase in the number and percentage of Americans 85 and older. Between now and 2050, this age group is expected to comprise an increasing proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older — from 11% in 2023 to 22% in 2050. This will result in an additional 12 million people age 85 and older— individuals at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer’s dementia. • In 2023, about 2.4 million people who have Alzheimer’s dementia are age 85 or older, accounting for 33% of all people with Alzheimer’s dementia. • By 2060, 6.7 million people age 85 and older are expected to have Alzheimer’s dementia, accounting for about half (48%) of all people 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia. ~2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Special Report.

Libraries and librarians need to ask themselves:
1) How does this increasing demographic affect our library and community?
2) How do we serve this growing population?

The group of librarians, managers, and support staff are dedicated to bringing services and information together to meet the unique needs of serving the caregivers and those suffering with dementia and Alzheimer's. We meet to share programming ideas, collection development ideas, marketing tips, and ways to partner with community organizations.

Topics include:
*what libraries are currently offering to those with dementia
*possible library programs and services to those with dementia
*sharing experiences about how we can or how we already serve this population

SLUI (SirsiDynix Library Users of Illinois) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to share knowledge regarding SirsiDynix Corporation developed and supported applications, collectively express concerns and make enhancement requests, affiliate with other regional and national SirsiDynix Users Groups, facilitate regional training and educational sessions, and foster communication and activities among Illinois SirsiDynix users.

All libraries in Illinois (public, academic, school, and special) that use SirsiDynix can be members of SLUI and attend our meetings and programs.

Special Libraries Association – IL (SLA IL) is a network of information professionals based in Illinois. The largest cluster is in the Chicago metro area, but we also maintain connections downstate. It's a resource for everyone to connect online and through in-person events, share challenges and solutions, and continue to grow professionally. Our networking and professional development events range from in-person meetings to online webinars to very popular "dine-arounds" where we meet at a popular restaurant to get to know each other better.

SLA Illinois is a community affiliated with the national SLA organization. Members must be a member of the national organization to join the local community. To learn more about membership, please visit the SLA national membership page.

The Small and Rural Libraries Group represents the interests of small and rural libraries in Illinois, provides a space for staff at all levels and trustees to discuss issues of particular interest to small and rural libraries, and encourages active participation in Illinois library organizations.

Networking group for directors of small public libraries in northwestern Illinois. All in-person meetings take place west of I-39. 

The Alliance for Human Services, DuPage Federation on Human Service Reform, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) are partnering to create the Social Work in Libraries networking group. Together we seek to create a safe space for frontline and social workers (working in libraries and nonprofits as well as other stakeholders) to explore the intersection between social work and libraries. Subjects of interest include best practices for developing social worker positions in library spaces, including but not limited to logistics, evaluation, and implementation; developing connections between social service organizations and libraries; and creating a safe welcoming space for all library patrons.

We focus on how libraries can serve their business communities.

Topics of discussion include information relating to business services offered by the library and librarians, including for job searchers, local businesses, and financial literacy.

We are the adult services programmers of the south suburbs of Chicago. We meet to share presenter contact information, newsletters, and anything else related to programming for adults.

SPARK (Spanish Programming And Resources for Kids) is a networking group of librarians and other library staff members who are interested in Spanish programming for children. We meet quarterly to share ideas, tips, favorite resources, and more.

SNAILS is a networking group made up of professionals from Chicago-area public libraries. We support one another's efforts to provide specialized services and programs to children and teens with disabilities through collaboration and training. Our meetings and blog are forums to exchange ideas, learn, advocate, and inspire. SNAILS is passionately committed to inclusivity and making a positive impact on the lives of all children.

The SAIL group is open to all library administrators. We usually have a meeting topic but members are also welcome to bring questions for group feedback. Attendees are also invited to lunch, at own cost, at an area restaurant.

The teen/young adult librarians from the former DuPage Library System (DLS) libraries meet every three months to discuss programming, young adult novels and issues related to teen services. We meet at various Illinois libraries in the former DLS area. Any interested young adult librarians are welcome to attend.

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/411394192392249/

T.O.Y.S. (Teen or Youth Selectors) connects Youth/Teen Collection Librarians and library staff with each other to share and develop ideas related to collection development. Anyone who participates in collection development for ages 0-18 in welcome to attend.

Tinker is a networking group for library staff who work–or want to work–with children, teens, and technology. We are interested in sharing programming ideas and providing an opportunity to work hands-on with technology and STEAM projects.

This group consists of small, rural libraries serving the McLean, Woodford, and Livingston counties in central Illinois. Member libraries are village, district, or municipal public libraries.

Networking, program sharing, and discussion for library staff working with tweens. We meet four times a year in the suburbs of Chicago to discuss library services to kids in approximately grades 3 to 8. Each meeting has a topic (including a discussion and sometimes a presentation), around-the-table time to discuss our successes and challenges, and a tour of the hosting library.

Upper Rock Island County Libraries is comprised of staff members from neighboring library districts who meet quarterly to discuss ways to collaborate with and support one another. We share ideas about programming, professional development, training, resource sharing and grant writing.

Primarily public library directors in the LaSalle area.

Welcome to the West Suburban Adult Programmers Group! This group is mainly comprised of people from libraries in the western suburbs of Cook, DuPage, and Kane counties, but it is open to all areas. We meet quarterly and discuss issues of interest to library staff members responsible for coordinating library programs for adults and other events, regardless of the intended age group.

Issues of interest to Youth Services Managers serving children and teens in DuPage and Kane Counties.

Resource and information sharing for librarians who work with World Language and ESL collection development, cataloging, promotion, and programming.

Contact Larissa Yabloch at lyabloch@skokielibrary.info or Anna Golash at AGolash@palatinelibrary.org.

The YALD Group (Young Adult Librarians Discussion Group) is a former NSLS networking group, but is open to anyone interested in YA/Teen Services. Anyone is welcome, meeting agendas are open to all topics.

Contact Emmy Neal at eneal@lakeforestlibrary.org

This group is for teen librarians and those that work with teens. We provide opportunities for sharing ideas, concerns, and success stories with respect to all areas of service to young adults, and have recently begun collaborating to bring our teen patrons some great larger scale programming (like the inter-library Hunger Games) . We meet 4 times per year in person at various libraries in the Illinois (former) Metropolitan Library System in Chicago-land. Feel free to join our google group if you would like more information.

We are a group of youth services librarians, programmers and special events extraordinaires! We usually have a special topic of discussion, share our program successes and failures, ask and offer tips and advice, and share helpful information about paid performers.

We are currently running meetings via Zoom.

Most of us are from public libraries in the north and northwest suburbs, but our members come from all over the suburban area. We welcome you to join our always engaging conversations and meetings.

We began and were known in RAILS as the Youth Librarians Association (YLA) and have since evolved.