Illinois Library Association
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Issue: # 12   March 9, 2009
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds in Illinois
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) has compiled the Illinois Library Shovel-Ready Construction/Renovation projects.  The list was sent to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin.  It was sent to those officials to

1)  ensure that the Illinois library community is included in federal economic stimulus funds to repair and modernize library buildings and to keep our doors open or extend hours, hire staff, purchase materials to meet the increasing needs, etc.

There is $374 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's (ARRA) State Fiscal Stabilization Funds for the governor's discretionary use.  This funding is flexible and the control rests in the hands of the governor on how the funding is allocated in the state.  It is those funds that we are hoping the governor will allocate to repair and modernize library buildings and to keep our doors open or extend hours, hire staff, purchase materials to meet the increasing needs, etc.

2)  ensure that the Illinois library community is included if state capital funds are available.

Please share this report/document with your local elected officials.

ILA is also exploring the federal broadband opportunities in ARRA.  Not all of the details about the funding programs created by ARRA in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce and in the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been determined by the agencies, but ILA is very interested in utilizing these funds to improve library services.  For now, go to www.ala.org/knowyourstimulus for more information, including the "Top 10 Things You Can Do Now to Get Broadband Stimulus Funding for Your Library."
April 2009 ILA Reporter on ILA Web site
Check out the latest issue with articles on:

"Innovation and Excellence" by Melissa Henderson

"Top Ten Tips for Innovation and Excellence" by Lisa Y. Pappas

"Lost Chicagoan Found in the Library" by Alice Schreyer

"It's Your Money:  Get Smart" by John Ericson and Nelly Somerman

"Lincoln and Leadership" by Al Gini

"Young Adult Summer Reading Programs" by Amber Creger

"An Invitation Is Never Out of Fashion" by Allen Lanham

"My Turn" by Sharon Ball
Forum and Committee News for March/April is now available on the ILA Web site.  Read about the activities and goals of the association's special interest groups.
In the News
Des Plaines Valley Library Plans Referendum
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Naperville Library Not Just for Reading
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Cash-strapped Residents Rediscover What's Free at Library
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Glenview New Library Price Tag Totals $28.7 Million
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During Tough Times, Public Library Is Busier Than Ever
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Economy Reflected in Library Usage
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Frankfort Library Candidates Spar over Dewey System, Book Sale
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In My View: Springfield Library's Branches Should Be Closed
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Aurora Library Accepting Food for Fines in March
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Libraries in Romeoville, Crest Hill and Lockport Eye Referendum in April
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Huntley Library Hopefuls Debate Space
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Fox Lake Library Construction to Begin
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Morton Grove Library Introduces Up New Online Calendar for Patrons
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Wilmington Library Fills Need in Tough Economy
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Arlington Heights Library Candidates Spar Over Trips
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Plainfield Library Board Offers Expansion Plans
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Algonquin Library Hopefuls Promise Help to Patrons
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Renovations to Start on Homewood Library
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Park Forest Library Preps for Major Overhaul
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The Push Is on for Public Records Access in Illinois
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Sincerely,
 
Illinois Library Association

Robert P. Doyle
Illinois Library Association
Disclaimer: Links to non-ILA sites have been provided because these sites may have information of interest. The Illinois Library Association does not necessarily endorse the views expressed or the facts presented on these sites; and furthermore, ILA does not endorse any commercial products that may be advertised or available on these sites.

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CALENDAR

April 20, 2009
Deadline for June issue of the ILA Reporter


April 23, 2009
Illinois Library Day


May 1, 2009
Reaching Forward Conference


May 12, 2009
National Library Legislative Day


May 20, 2009
Youth Services Workshop, Fountaindale


May 28, 2009
Youth Services Workshop, Edwardsville
BLOGS/SITES
NEWS SOURCES
ILA Reporter

American Libraries American Libraries Direct, issues are not posted on the ALA Web site

Chronicle of Higher Education

First Monday

School Library Journal