New law requires public libraries across Illinois to carry opioid OD reversal medication; The Chicago Tribune, December 28, 2025

Lisa Schenker, The Chicago Tribune; New law requires public libraries across Illinois to carry opioid OD reversal medication

Illinois libraries required to carry Narcan next year; Fox2Now, December 9, 2025

Caroline Pettey, Alex Barton, Fox2Now; Illinois libraries required to carry Narcan next year

"Starting on the first day of 2026, public libraries across Illinois will be required to keep opioid overdose-reversal medications, such as naloxone (Narcan) on site and have trained staff ready to administer them.

A new standing order signed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) director seeks to fight back against opioid overdose deaths by making sure that libraries, often considered a safe space for the community, is prepared to respond in that kind of emergency. 

Libraries will be able to obtain naloxone or nalmefene without a prescription and train staff to use it. Under the Illinois Good Samaritan Act, library personnel who administer naloxone in good faith are protected from liability.

The law will require at least one trained person on duty at all times."

‘The Librarians’ EP Sarah Jessica Parker On The Spread Of Book Banning: “It’s A Fear Of Children Having Information” – Sundance Studio; Deadline, January 25, 2025

Matthew Carey, Deadline ; ‘The Librarians’ EP Sarah Jessica Parker On The Spread Of Book Banning: “It’s A Fear Of Children Having Information” – Sundance Studio

"TITLE: The Librarians

Section: Premieres

Director: Kim A. Snyder

Logline: As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians who find themselves under siege join forces as unlikely defenders in the fight for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. Kim A. Snyder (Us Kids, 2020 Sundance Film Festival) takes us to an unexpected front line where librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and free access to information."

Call Number Podcast: Support for Ukraine; American Libraries, August 12, 2022

American Libraries; Call Number Podcast: Support for Ukraine

Episode 74 highlights efforts to preserve information, raise funds, and help refugees

"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dominated headlines this year. The ongoing war has affected people globally, including American librarians and their work. In Episode 74, the Call Number podcast team looks at the ways the profession is supporting Ukraine.

First, Call Number host Diana Panuncial speaks with Kristin Parker, lead curator and manager of the arts at Boston Public Library. Parker is part of a network of first responders working against the clock to preserve Ukraine’s cultural history and provide preservation advice to library workers on the ground.

Next, American Libraries Editor and Publisher Sanhita SinhaRoy speaks with Michael Dowling, director of ALA’s International and Chapter Relations Office, about the Association’s Ukraine Library Relief Fund and how donations are being used.

Finally, Panuncial talks to Millicent Mabi, director of community engagement and programming at Regina Public Library in Saskatchewan, about how her institution is helping Ukrainian refugees—from teaching them English to improving their literacy to connecting them with community resources."