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There has been renewed interest this session by Illinois legislators in the issue of local government consolidation. House Bill (HB) 268 would create a task force to make general recommendations on possible consolidation to the Illinois General Assembly and Governor. This bill unanimously passed the Illinois House of Representatives and is currently in the Illinois Senate.
In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 1926 was introduced and would go farther and require a newly created commission to propose a list of specific governmental units to be abolished or consolidated. This bill was not approved by a senate committee and has been re-referred to the Illinois Senate Assignments committee.
Neither bill suggested or targeted any specific governmental body or type of government to be reduced, eliminated, or consolidated. Both are premised on the idea that greater efficiencies can be achieved through local governmental consolidation. Illinois has more units of local government than any other state in the nation with more than 7,000 units. Pennsylvania has the second largest with 5,334.
The library community has long recognized the value of thoughtful and well-managed consolidation. The creation of library districts are the prime example of the benefits in terms of cost savings, greater patron access, and increased service. More recently, library systems have led an effort to reorganize, cut costs, and focus on core services.
The ILA Executive Board supports, in principle, logical consolidation. It is crucial, however, that any effort to study or implement consolidation must have proportional library representation and leadership. Preferably, this representation would be formalized on any task force, but could also be achieved by appointment of library supporters to any task force or commission ultimately created.
In the current dire budget environment, there are concerns by many governmental bodies that consolidation might mean elimination of their unique position. In the last week, an unofficial document has circulated that appears to be from township governments concerned that they might be eliminated. To combat this possibility, it suggests townships seek to take over a variety of governmental units, for example, library and park functions. No such legislation has been filed, and the statewide association that represents Illinois township government, the Township Officials of Illinois, does not endorse this proposal. Clearly, ILA would vehemently oppose any such effort. Moreover, ILA is closely monitoring the situation, will inform the Illinois library community of any significant developments, and greatly appreciates your assistance in gathering information to best inform our policies and actions.
Consolidation can mean many things. ILA supports maintaining the unique identity and independent role libraries play in our society. ILA supports library led and managed consolidation where it furthers our mission and provides better value to those served.
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The 2011 IREAD Public Service Announcement is now available on the 
