NILRC Conference Early Registration is Open!

We’re excited to invite you to the 2026 NILRC Annual Conference, themed: Experience First: Design for Access, Prepare for Anything. 

Date: October 1 – 2, 2026

Location: Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Monticello, IL

Registration Link

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What to Expect

As summer gently gives way to fall, we’re looking ahead to crisp air, cozy spaces, and the kind of conversations that spark fresh ideas. This year’s theme centers the user experience in everything we do—encouraging us to design library services that are inclusive, accessible, and resilient in a changing world. Together, we’ll explore how to better anticipate diverse needs and create welcoming, adaptable environments for all.

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The Full Retreat Experience

For $325*, your registration includes:

• Semi-formal dinner on Thursday

• Friday breakfast + coffee, water, and snacks throughout

• A private, single room stay

• Full access to the beautiful Allerton grounds and facilities

*Save $25 if you register by August 7. Not staying overnight? Attend at a discounted rate of $200.

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Scholarships Available

We’re pleased to offer 2 scholarships for NILRC members and 2 for LIS students.

Learn more and apply for scholarships here.

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Special Event: Thursday Evening Soirée

The Manor of Many Stories: A Gilded Stacks Mystery

Step into an unforgettable evening of elegance and intrigue inside the mansion. Dress up—whether that means formal attire or your favorite detective-inspired look—and enjoy lighthearted mystery and deduction games in a warm, atmospheric setting.

It’s a chance to relax, connect, snap a few photos, and celebrate the spirit of libraries together.

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Additional Notes:

• A Relaxed Start - New this year, we’re building in time to unwind and connect from the start. When you arrive Thursday, lunch is on your own—wander the gardens, enjoy the café, or take a short trip into Monticello with colleagues. It’s the perfect way to settle in and enjoy the setting before sessions begin.

• Invoices will be sent out the week of September 8th. 

• Room sharing is available and optional with a $50 discount on your registration (see registration form for more details)

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If you have any questions, please email Cat Broady at broadyc@bhc.edu. We look forward to connecting with you at Allerton!

Call for Proposals and Save the Date! NILRC 2026 Conference

Theme: Experience First: Design for Access, Prepare for Anything

Location: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, Illinois 61856

Save the Date: October 1-2, 2026

The NILRC Conference at Allerton Park is a small conference (30-40 attendees) run by community college members for community college members, with sessions focusing on promoting information sharing and learning through discussion. What makes this conference different:

·       It’s affordable- only one night’s stay in a beautiful historic mansion

·       It’s short- sessions start at noon on Thursday and end at noon on Friday

·       Meals and snacks are included!

Keep an eye out for registration and scholarship information coming soon!

This year’s sessions will focus on the patron experience and how we prioritize it in our libraries. Have you had to adapt to a change in funding, staffing, location, or laws that challenged the way you put your patrons first? Hot topics this year may include, but are not limited to, accessibility compliance, continuity/contingency planning, disaster planning, budget changes, and more. This is an excellent opportunity to share your experiences with and ask questions of your peers.

We need you! Do you have an idea for a panel, discussion, or presentation? Options are available for both 45- and 15-minute sessions. Find out more and complete the Request for Proposals (https://forms.gle/uDg879G2XbCA8EZc8) by Wednesday, May 20.

Questions? Contact Conference Planning Committee Chair Cat Broady at broadyc@bhc.edu.

Professional Development Webinars Announcement

The Professional Development Committee is excited to share TWO great webinar opportunities this month! Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 18th & Thursday, February 26th!

Wednesday, 2/18 @ 10 am - Data-Driven Floor Plans: Using Excel Solver to Maximize Seating and Collections

Go beyond simple layouts and learn to solve complex spatial puzzles using the power of Excel Solver. After a beginner-friendly introduction to the tool, we will walk through three practical scenarios: maximizing furniture density, accounting for ADA traffic flow buffers, and calculating precise weeding targets for optimal shelf capacity. You will leave with a data-backed framework to turn physical constraints into objective decisions for your Library.

Thursday, 2/26 @ 10 am - Sip, Study, Stay Awhile: The IECC Learning Commons Adventure

The sequel you didn’t know you needed! After our Allerton Conference debut in October 2025, Karissa Anderson and Kaitlyn Weger are back to spill even more Learning Commons magic. From study rooms students make a beeline for, to free Keurig perks, to lounge zones built for comfort, to giant games that bring the fun—IECC has been busy. Come steal our best ideas (we won’t tell!) and learn simple ways to add joy and energy to your own space.

NILRC Conference Scholarships Available!

Have you always wanted to attend the NILRC Conference? Well now is your chance!

The NILRC Board is offering 3 scholarships to attend the 2025 Annual Conference. This year’s conference will take place October 2-3 at Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. The theme is “The Evolving Library: Transforming Spaces to Meet Changing Needs.”

(to the NILRC community): These scholarships are open to anyone at a member institution who has never attended the NILRC conference before. Please share with anyone interested at your institution!

(to the LIS Student Community): Are you a Library and Information Science Student in Illinois who is interested in pursuing Community College Librarianship? We’d like to have you join us! We have designated one of the scholarships for an LIS student. This is an amazing opportunity to attend a conference, network with library professionals, and learn more about the issues and hot topics affecting the field.

The scholarship will cover the full cost of registration, which includes all meals and snacks (lunch and dinner on Thursday, and breakfast on Friday), a single room, and use of the facilities.

Applicants will be notified before the end of Early Bird Registration (July 31) if they have been awarded a scholarship. If more than three applications are received, preference will be given to applicants from different institutions so that more colleges can participate.

To apply for a scholarship to attend the conference, complete this form by Wednesday, July 23.

Link to scholarship application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeISpdAWqsCplWl_s5npmsGMdOpb1-LTQiPxt0k9Qkcx_zZAg/viewform?usp=header

If you have any questions, please contact Cat Broady at broadyc@bhc.edu.