MLA Connect Advocacy Hour: The Fight for Fair eBook Pricing: A Closer Look at Illinois’ eBook Legislation

August 19, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 AM

EBook pricing continues to be a significant challenge for libraries, with publishers’ pricing models and licensing terms affecting how libraries provide digital materials to their communities.

Join MLA and Illinois library advocates for an inside look at how they mobilized overnight to push fair eBook legislation (HB 5236) through the state House. Hear from Monica Harris, Executive Director, RAILS; Samantha Ralston, Library Director, Crab Orchard Public Library District; Aaron Skog, Executive Director, SWAN; and Cassandra Thompson, Associate Director, IHLS, as they share their experience and lessons learned.

This session will provide an inside look at the grassroots strategy, coordination, and teamwork behind this legislative effort and offer insights that may be useful as library advocates in Michigan consider how to approach eBook pricing and other issues affecting access to library materials.

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MLA Connect On Demand

Advocacy Hour conversations are always free to attend but registration is required. 

MLA Connect Advocacy Hours are an opportunity for the library community to learn more about MLA's advocacy and legislative priorities including funding, elections, property taxes, literacy, internet access, privacy, intellectual freedom, and more. Each month, we will address a new topic and share any pending legislation introduced in the House or Senate that could impact the Michigan library community. Open discussion and Q & A will follow the interview-style agenda.

Monthly sessions will take place generally on the third Thursday of the month at 10:00 AM. Advocacy Hours are free to attend to anyone interested in joining the conversation! A maximum of 500 attendees can join each live event. Registered attendees will receive information and a link to access the meetings on the Zoom platform.