Serving more than 375 libraries in Illinois and Iowa.

News from PALS

PALS Closed July 3rd and July 4th for Independence Day

PALS will be closed Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th for Independence Day.

PALS Board Approves Move of Rockford Service Center

At their June 2009 meeting, the PALS Board approved subleasing the Rockford Service Center and leasing a new office in Rockford.

PALS MegaSearch

We've set up a Google Custom Search Engine for combined searching of the PALS website, member library sites, and selected other resources. See the PALS MegaSearch box on the right side of our homepage.

PALS New Executive Director Announced!

The Prairie Area Library System Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael C. Piper as Executive Director, effective September 1, 2009. Sandy Ringstrom, PALS’ retired Director of Consulting and Continuous Learning, will serve as interim director following current director Bob McKay’s retirement on June 30 and until Michael arrives in September. Press releases containing further information on the appointments are attached.

EBSCO Databases for Public Libraries

PALS is now offering our public libraries a discounted group subscription to a package of databases from EBSCO. Deadline to sign up: July 1.

Help Us Wish Bob McKay a Happy Retirement!

Bob McKay will retire from PALS as of June 30, 2009. PALS is compiling an online "retirement reminiscences" that all are encouraged to contribute to.

Status of Rockford Service Center Activity

This is a brief status report on the PALS Service Center in Rockford, a request for some help from the library community in the Rockford area, and Executive Director Bob McKay's take on future system-wide facilities planning

PALS Board of Trustee Election and Call for Nominees

PALS recently put out a call for nominees for the PALS Board of Directors. There are not enough nominees to fill all the vacant seats. So, we are holding an election and calling for more nominations!