August Newsletter
Happy PSL Season to everyone who celebrates!
Next week, on Friday, September 4th, we have an in-person meeting in Dekalb called “Voter Information Guides and Beyond: Developing Patrons’ Civil Literacy.” Amy Freeman, genius that she is, is sharing her experience and expertise with us. We are so excited to have her! See below for a description of the event, and a registration link:
Join Amy Freeman, Adult Services Librarian at Dekalb Public Library to learn how to create a nonpartisan voter information guide and hear about some programming ideas that strengthen civic literacy, encourage informed participation, and connect community members with reliable election resources.
Legislation
ILA’s Public Policy Committee met in Bloomington last week to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming year. More on that when the Executive Board votes to approve our recommendations. Along with several new ideas, PPC will continue its work to push the Digital Library Protection Act as it goes before the Senate this fall.
Advocacy
Digital Library Protection Act: HB5236 is going to the State Senate this fall. We’re sure ILA will be updating their Ready, Set, Advocate! page soon that will include information on it’s progress through the Senate and what we can do to help.
E-Rate Funding is Threatened! - ALA has a great website (Show Up For E-Rate!) that includes information on how to support this incredibly important funding for broadband internet (among other things) for libraries and schools. Please check it out and submit your letter, call your legislators, share on socials, etc. These days, we have to raise our voices together to keep our nice things.
Register for the RAILS Member Update on Wednesday, September 9th at 3pm for important presentations on E-Rate, Illinois Laws that impact libraries, and an update on Find More Illinois.
Upcoming Events
We’re taking a break from LIRE Happy Hours this fall, but we’ll still meet for a Lunch & Learn in October and December (December date TBD).
Join us on October 30th at 2:00pm at Rockford University for “Dissecting Legislation & Election Processes.” Details below:
Join LIRE for a discussion on legislation -- how to read and understand it, what is currently being tracked at the state and federal levels, and how to advocate through engagement with your elected officials. Attendees will also leave with a better understanding of the election process, including timelines, petition packets, and ideas of how to empower your community.
Are you going to ILA?!
While Emily will not be attending ILA this year, Stephanie will co-present a session Thursday, October 8th with Amy Freeman titled “Beyond Voting: How Libraries Support Local Civic Participation.” If you’re heading to ILA and would like to meet up, let Stephanie know by emailing [email protected]. While she’ll only be there Thursday, she’d love to connect with you!
Until next time!
<3 Emily & Steph