Indiana Library Federation - ILF

The conversations, ideas, connections, and inspiration that shape Indiana libraries happen at the ILF Annual Conference. Now is the time to secure your spot. Our full conference schedule should be released by Monday, July 27th.

Early Bird registration for the 2026 ILF Annual Conference is ending soon. Don't miss your chance to save on registration and join colleagues from across the state in Indianapolis this November.

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/H0jt50Zs2BR

A huge congratulations to Grace Biermann, a writer and librarian from Valparaiso, Indiana, on her impressive Jeopardy! victory! Grace's strategic $10,000 Daily Double wager helped secure a runaway win and a one-day total of $32,000.

Even more inspiring, she shared her desire to see more women succeed on the iconic quiz show and intentionally embraced confident, bold gameplay. We're proud to see an Indiana librarian shining on the national stage!

Yesterday’s ILF Board Meeting brought together library leaders from across Indiana for productive discussions, strategic planning, and collaboration as we continue advancing the mission of the Indiana Library Federation.

Thank you to our dedicated Board members for your time, insight, and leadership. A special thank you to Marian University Indianapolis for graciously hosting us and providing such a welcoming space for the day. We appreciate your partnership and support of Indiana libraries.

Time to act and protect the Freedom to Read is NOW! Follow the American Library Association guide to tell your representatives NO.

NEW: A federal book banning bill has been introduced in the Senate. It's time to make our voices heard and protect the freedom to read.

Tell your Senators to REJECT pro-censorship legislation like S. 4925 that would limit people's freedom to read. We need every advocate to speak out against censorship: action.ala.org/campaign/S4925

Last Friday, library leaders from across Indiana gathered at Anderson Public Library for the ILF Budget Workshop. We had a full day of learning, collaboration, and strategic planning focused on strengthening our libraries and the communities they serve. The workshop was presented by the Budget Tactical Team and brought together participants for an engaging and productive day of discussion and problem-solving.

A huge thank you to Lynn Hobbs with Friends of the Pendleton Community Library, Edra Waterman with Anderson Public Library, and the entire Budget Tactical Team for their leadership, expertise, and hard work in making this workshop such a success. Your dedication continues to help Indiana libraries navigate challenges and plan confidently for the future.

Congratulations to Indiana’s own Mahasin Ameen on receiving the prestigious 2026 I Love My Librarian Award from the American Library Association! Mahasin was recognized at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago in late June for her outstanding service, leadership, and impact on students and communities across Indiana. The award was presented by Cindy Hohl, 2024–2025 ALA President.

We are proud to celebrate Mahasin’s dedication to advancing information literacy, access, and equity through librarianship. Indiana is fortunate to have such an inspiring leader representing our profession on the national stage.

Congratulations, Mahasin—we’re cheering you on! 📚❤️

From today’s American Library Association (ALA) Chapter Leaders Forum, our Executive Director, Kyle Hickman, had the honor of presenting on financial management for associations. His session explored key topics including budgeting, financial oversight, governance, and sustainability, helping equip association leaders with the tools they need for long-term success. If you're attending ALA this weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for ILF members and leaders representing Indiana libraries, sharing their expertise, and engaging in conversations that strengthen our profession.

Action Alert: Protect E-Rate!

The FCC has advanced a proposal that could threaten E-Rate funding for libraries and schools. Now is the time to speak up.

Championing the continuation of E-Rate remains a key legislative priority for ILF and has become even more critical following the elimination of the Internet Connectivity Grant funding line from the current State of Indiana budget. ILF advocates for communities across Indiana to help ensure that public libraries and K–12 schools continue to have access to reliable, affordable internet connectivity.

Take action today through ALA's advocacy campaign and learn more at SaveOurERate.com.

Please share this alert with your networks and help protect the connectivity services our communities depend on.

The program, developed by Mental Health America of Indiana, will teach librarians how to spot and help patrons facing mental health challenges. https://tinyurl.com/3r935cd5