Illinois Library Association

NPR staffers share their favorite fiction reads of 2026 so far.

NPR staffers share their favorite fiction reads of 2026 so far Facts by day, fiction by night! At the end of a long day in the newsroom, many of our journalists head home and escape into novels of all types.

Former President Barack Obama is opening up his bookshelf, sharing some of the titles that have shaped him most.

Barack Obama to Spotlight Books That Have ‘Stayed with Me Throughout My Life’ in New Podcast ‘A Great Book with Barack Obama’ will highlight some of the former president’s favorite, most impactful titles. The forthcoming podcast will spotlight six books that have ‘profoundly shaped’ the former president’s outlook and will host a series of guests to discuss each.

ILA Institutional Members: Submit your photos for the ILA Member Photo of the Month!

Submit photos of staff participating in community events, your summer reading wrap-up parties, or photos from your anniversary celebrations, renovation projects, special visitors, bookmobiles, or any noteworthy events.

Submit a photo with a description to [email protected] by Friday, August 21.

Applications are now open for this year's ILA Annual Conference Internship Program.

Conference interns will be required to complete at least four hours of work, which will be assigned before the conference and in accordance with the program's conditions and benefits.

ILA personal members and non-members are encouraged to apply. Assignments will be made based on the specific needs of the conference.

For more information about the internship program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and available assignments, please visit the ILA website. Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 4, 2026. https://bit.ly/ILAAC26Internship

Not only does this year’s ILA Annual Conference deliver incredible sessions, but it also features an impressive lineup of speakers. Among them is the Opening General Session keynote speaker, respected author and civic strategist Shamichael Hallman.

In his book, "Meet Me at the Library," Hallman examines how public libraries are evolving into vital civic spaces that foster social connection, strengthen civic participation, and help communities navigate an era marked by polarization and isolation.

Hallman currently serves as Senior Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council, where he leads national initiatives that emphasize libraries as crucial social and civic infrastructure.

Don't miss out! Register now to join us October 6-8 at the Peoria Civic Center! https://bit.ly/ILAAC26Register

"I still find libraries astonishing; I still think they speak to our better instincts. The library remains one of the few places in the world where you don’t have to buy anything, know anyone, or believe anything to enter in."―Katherine Rundell

Library Card Sign-up Month is next month! Stock up on free resources from the American Library Association to help you celebrate and promote this important month!

Resources include posters and social media graphics, and plenty of programming ideas! https://bit.ly/4gjo3Y0

The Hinckley Public Library District recently celebrated the opening of its new building.

📸: Hinckley Public Library District