As we approach the end of the semester and winter break, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for each one of you. Your hard work and dedication have played a crucial role in the success of another successful semester at Illinois.

As the semester winds down and the holiday season approaches, I encourage each of you to prioritize self-care. The demands of our work can be intense, and it’s essential that we take the time to recharge and spend quality moments with our loved ones. Your well-being is of utmost importance, and I want to remind you to reach out if you need support or resources during this time of year.

I also wanted to provide a heads up about the December Hangout. We are currently determining whether to reschedule or cancel this month. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility. Look for that decision via LIB-NEWS soon.

Looking ahead, I’d like to remind everyone about the upcoming Annual Library Recognition Event scheduled for January 9. It’s an opportunity for us to come together (virtually!) and celebrate the service milestones of our colleagues as well as the collective achievements of our Library faculty and staff. For those looking forward to our next all-Library, in-person gathering, we are planning on repeating the Summer Social in 2024.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to our Library and its mission. Wishing you a restful holiday season filled with joy, relaxation, and family connection.

Claire Stewart
The Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian