Reaching Forward North

Reaching Forward North is an annual ILA professional development conference for library support staff in central and northern Illinois.

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Congrats, Leah Martinez - this year’s Oberman and Rich Reaching Forward North Conference Grant recipient!

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Who’s hungry?

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It’s time! Your complimentary bags await

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Two more days until #RFN2026! Need a quiet space? Check. Nursing, need a fridge? Check. We'll have 2 separate rooms available for conference-goers to utilize: 1 private lactation room with a refrigerator & 1 Quiet Room for a bit of sensory relief. See program book for locations!

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Where are we going, anyway? 🤔 Well, to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, of course! Ft. a parking garage with skybridge access ($15), a CTA station a quarter mile away, and friendly committee members near the entrances to help point the way.

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Final day for registration is May 7th! You know what you have to do. Follow the link below and we'll see you for the conference on Friday, May 22nd!

https://t.co/kbk1nK4D9n

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

RFTT 7 on the 7th! Today we're asking you to Go Green! Time to bring out that reusable mug trophy from last year's staff event. This conference center is fully equipped with water stations to bring you the latest and greatest in self-hydration.

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Are you a cardigan hero? Or maybe you want to keep things cool with your trusty handheld fan. Either way, today's RFTT is to bring an assortment of layers for maximized comfort.

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

In order for everyone to have a positive experience, it's important that attendees adhere to the ILA's Statement of Appropriate Conduct. Review the link below.

https://t.co/UNOwDLr8Md

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. The most cheerful way for that to happen is to have your name badge at the ready!

Visit https://t.co/dBWZQM2j9a for more info on badges and other top tips.

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Next up in our RFTT series: Plan ahead! Sure, you could wing it and see which session fits your vibe. But you may want to check the programs ahead of time so you're not spending minutes torn between your top three. Bonus tip: add in some bonus shopping time!

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We're starting our RFTT (Reaching Forward Top Tips) series with an ol' classic: Stay Updated.

There are plenty of ways to stay updated with Reaching Forward. Follow us on social media. Check out the Reaching Forward North page at https://t.co/UjPsZ5n8nu. Register with your email

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No fooling!
Get a good deal on your Reaching Forward Registration. Early Bird ends April 6th.

https://t.co/kbk1nK4D9n

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And everything in-between! Add your favorite in the comments.
Oh, and while you're here, why not register for Reaching Forward North?

https://t.co/kbk1nK4D9n

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

https://t.co/aSXhcyWImv

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Have you wondered who decides what vendors are at the conference? Or what programs get selected? Are you eager hand out awards to your fellow Illinois library staff? Sounds like you need to be a part of the Reaching Forward North Committee!

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Register for Reaching Forward North!
Early Bird registration by April 6th, 2026. Conference registration deadline is May 7th, 2026. Click the link below for more information.

https://t.co/kbk1nK4D9n

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Recognize a colleague's contributions (or your own) and enter for a chance to win one of two award grants and the opportunity to win some great perks! Staff working in smaller and/or rural libraries with limited budgets are strongly encouraged to apply. 💌 https://t.co/9syoQxbvGj

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

Sweet potatoes, gravy, and stuffing, oh my! As you prepare for feasting, remember to mark the date before the tryptophan kicks in. 🗓 Proposals for RFN 2026 are due December 16th.

Visit this link for more info: https://t.co/SXNI3uD6wM

[Reaching Forward North @ReachForwardIL]

It's that time of year. Cinnamon spice, a chilly breeze, pumpkin pie, and cranberries. And the main course: fresh homemade program proposals. The deadline is December 16th, but why wait?

Send your proposals (and/or tasty Fall treats) here: https://t.co/grC0OVP3kc