(via the Illinois Library Association)
The 29th annual Reaching Forward Conference will be held Friday, May 4, at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The conference features a full day of programming, with morning coffee and a plated lunch.
Reaching Forward programming is designed for library staff at all levels of experience and types of service. From dealing with the chaos of change to understanding fake news; from hosting a Star Wars program to providing dementia and Alzheimer’s services in your library; from the accidental cataloger to the accidental interviewer — Reaching Forward has something for everyone! The always popular Performers’ Showcase will run throughout the conference, featuring performers for children and adults.
The Early Bird registration rate is $150 until Friday, April 20; the rate increases to $165 after that date.
Two awards are presented at the Reaching Forward Conference.
The Oberman and Rich Reaching Forward Conference Grant recognizes the contributions of a support staff member to the library community and the role of support staff in libraries. The recipient will receive free registration to this year’s Reaching Forward Conference, an overnight stay at the Reaching Forward conference hotel, $50 for expenses, and a framed certificate.
The Robert Doyle ILA Conference Grant for Support Staff encourages ILA membership and support staff attendance at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. The recipient will receive a one-year ILA membership and full registration and expenses to attend the ILA Annual Conference, $800 total maximum value, and a framed certificate.
The deadline to submit for both awards is Saturday, March 31. You may submit a nomination for yourself or for a colleague. A panel of judges, made up of members of the Reaching Forward Committee, will be responsible for choosing the recipients. Supporting reasons for the nomination of a candidate must be provided.