History of Reaching Forward South

In 1996, it was the vision of Kathy Perkins and Terri Dolan to organize a "downstate" conference for library assistants. As of that date the only daylong conference designed for non-MLS library staff was Reaching Forward, held in the Chicago area.

A meeting of the Reaching Forward representatives Tobi Oberman, Tom Rich, Yvonne McCurrie, Rose Allen, Sharon Ruda, and Candace Biancalana and downstate participants Terri Dolan, Kathy Perkins, Pat Boze, Mary Downing, Beth Cox, and Bev Obert was held on Sept. 27, 1996. After speaking with the founders of the north conference and utilizing the assistance of the regional library systems, Reaching Forward South was born.

The first Reaching Forward South Conference for library assistants was held September 26, 1997 at the Holiday Inn in Decatur, Illinois. The committee members for the first conference were Kathy Perkins and Terri Dolan Co-Chairs, Pat Boze, Beth Cox, Mary Downing, Sue Franzen, Susan Lucco, Bev Obert, and Marilyn Taylor.

The purpose of the conference was to provide an atmosphere conducive for learning and networking with other library assistants in downstate Illinois. This purpose continues still today. The mission of Reaching Forward South ties in perfectly with this purpose.

Mission Statement:

Reaching Forward South Conference provides continuing education, professional growth, networking opportunities and social interaction for support staff of Illinois libraries.