Mission:

Illinois Libraries Present is a not for profit organization dedicated to sharing resources to produce a curated series of diverse events for member libraries

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