Building sustainable communities is central to Wintrust’s mission as a community bank. Central to healthy communities are strong educational services, especially in small, rural, and underserved areas. Libraries are a critical community anchor—supporting literacy, digital access, and lifelong learning—and financial partners play an important role in carrying out these essential objectives. That’s why we’ve been a proud partner of the Illinois Library Association (ILA) for years, with an affiliation that extends far beyond monetary donations.

The Illinois Library Association is a professional membership organization that represents Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. Founded in 1896, the ILA is the third-largest state library association in the nation and a chapter of the American Library Association, serving more than 2,000 personal members and over 500 institutional members—including public, academic, school, and special libraries; librarians; library staff; trustees; students; and library vendors.

“The Library Impact Partnership provides more than just sponsorship funds,” says Aimee Briles, Director of Government Funds. “Wintrust and the ILA are actively collaborating to find opportunities to strengthen libraries all over Illinois. That translates into supporting advocacy efforts, providing educational resources, and engaging with the community at a grassroots level.”

Focusing on underserved communities with financial need, the iREAD program’s second year saw strong statewide participation, with ten libraries receiving $250 grants redeemable in the iREAD store.

“Last year, my teens read over 200 books during the summer reading program, a number that far exceeded my expectations, and that excitement carried right into the school year,” says Lauren Hegedus, Teen Services Manager at Highwood Library & Community Center. “With support from the iREAD Grant sponsored by Wintrust, we were able to purchase materials to keep that momentum going, and we can’t wait to see what our readers accomplish this summer.”

Wintrust partners with over 70 libraries, providing the expertise and financial solutions that local libraries seek, while also offering superior customer service, customized products, sharper pricing, and quick local decision-making.

“We are grateful for Wintrust’s continuous support of Illinois libraries,” says Tina Koleva, Deputy Director of the Illinois Library Association. “We are hoping to continue to grow this collaboration and support for Illinois libraries and the communities they serve for years to come.”

To see how Wintrust can help your library do even more for your community, contact Aimee Briles, Director of Government Funds, at abriles@wintrust.com.