About

Mission:

Illinois Libraries Present provides premier online events at equitable prices for participating member libraries of all sizes and budgets; We connect communities and audiences across the state through shared event experiences

Goals:

  • To provide premier, 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 Illinois public libraries.

  • 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 Illinois Libraries Present committees and the participating libraries, including patron contact points, marketing, invoicing, etc.

Benefits:

Why should you consider joining Illinois Libraries Present?


For Your Patrons

  • Share premier events with your patrons no matter your size, location, or operating budget

  • Provide libraries the opportunity to shine a light on high profile topics within their respective communities

  • Share big name, nationally recognized speakers with no cost to patrons

  • Provide a professionally presented program that showcases the power and value of libraries


For Your Library

  • Allow libraries to plan ahead when they know what their options will be further in advance

  • Avoid competing requests for collaboration among RAILS libraries

  • Streamline communication between libraries

  • Provide a template for managing the logistics of each initiative, including marketing

  • Provide high-quality event production

  • Event data and reports to share with your stakeholders and analyze trends

  • Opportunities for staff to lead from all positions and gain skills in large-scale event production, working side-by-side with experts in the field