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.