ILA is exploring the topic of property, casualty, and workers compensation insurance rates, along with legal counsel Ancel Glink.  We are considering an insurance pool as a way to use local tax dollars responsibly and provide libraries a way to better control costs and coverage options.  Recently, ILA made the decision to explore these options with an insurance broker that knows and understands libraries:  Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.  Gallagher currently provides insurance services to more than forty Illinois libraries and is the approved insurance broker of the American Library Association. 

At the February 8, 2013, Illinois Library Association Executive Board meeting, Gallagher's Library Team was authorized to undertake a plan to customize an insurance program that would fit the needs of Illinois libraries.  Gallagher has developed a design study as a way to determine how best to improve coverage and cost options for ILA Institutional member libraries.

There is no obligation to complete the brief questionnaire, but with your help it will provide a better understanding of your current insurance programs and future needs. Please take a moment to:  

• Fill out the following short survey: ILA Insurance Design Study
• Request 5 Years of Loss History from your current Agent or Insurance carrier

Please complete and return the requested items above by April 21, 2013 to

Erika or Marcus as they currently manage the Gallagher Library program and both specialize in library insurance.  Thanks. 

Jeannie Dilger, LaGrange Public Library

Deanne W. Holshouser, Edwardsville Public Library

Director-at-Large:

Christina Stoll, Arlington Heights Memorial Library

Julie Milavec, Plainfield Public Library District

Director-at-Large:

Alissa Williams, Pekin Public Library

Amanda E. Standerfer, Decatur Public Library

Director-at-Large:

Rick McCarthy, Gail Borden Public Library District 

Carol Vaughan Kissane, Brookfield Public Library 

Director-at-Large:

Keshia Garnett, Chicago Public Library/West Englewood Branch

Portia E. Latalladi, Chicago Public Library/Garfield Ridge Branch

Award Nominations Due May 15

Spotlighting Three More Awards  

This award recognizes the achievements of the library workers who are new or relatively new to the field and encourages continued involvement in the profession.  Other awards honor those who have accomplished a great deal over a long period of time; this award is to honor people who have accomplished a great deal in a short time.

Librarian of the Year Award

This award recognizes a librarian's distinguished service and leadership in Illinois libraries.  Generally, the librarian so honored will have made an impact locally, statewide, and nationally.  However, if an individual's service is unusually outstanding on one level, then the nomination can rest on that area alone.  Librarians so honored will have demonstrated a commitment to libraries, and especially Illinois libraries, which can serve as a model for others in the profession. 

Alexander J. Skrzypek Award  

The award is given to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library services for the blind or physically disabled in Illinois.

Nominations for all ILA Awards are due May 15, 2013.  Nominating someone for an ILA Award has never been easier!

Submit your nomination form and all supporting documentation via the ILA Web site.  No service should go unrecognized, so toot your own horn or tell us who you think is the best!

If you have any questions about the ILA Awards, please contact the ILA office at (312) 644-1896, or ila@ila.org.