NEWS RELEASES > OCTOBER 19, 2017
MCHENRY, IL – Follett, a trusted provider of educational resources to K-12 institutions for more than 140 years, is being honored by the Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) with the organization’s 2017 Pillar Award. Follett will receive the honor Friday evening (Oct. 20) at ISLMA’s Awards Dinner Banquet in Springfield, Ill., which caps the association’s three-day 2017 conference. The ISLMA Board of Directors selected Follett as the Pillar Award recipient for the McHenry, Ill.-based company’s “distinguished and exceptional service and contribution to ISLMA and the school library community.”
“Follett’s support of school libraries and school librarians has been unwavering in the midst of ongoing budget cuts and state budget choices,” said Katherine Hlousek, Grants and Awards Function Representative, ISLMA.
Follett recently announced it was intensifying its support of K-12 school libraries and librarians by partnering with EveryLibrary, a Chicago-based political action committee dedicated to advocating for libraries and librarians at the state level.
“It is imperative the public understand the importance of school librarians and strong library programs for the students of Illinois,” said Patti Fleser, outgoing ISLMA President. “Between ISLMA, EveryLibrary, and Follett, we will continue this effort as we focus on restoring licensed school librarians to districts in Illinois.”
The EveryLibrary partnership is the latest example of Follett’s advocacy in this area. Follett also formed Project Connect, a national initiative to advocate for school libraries and elevate the role of the librarian in K-12 schools, and actively supports Future Ready Schools® (FRS) as the exclusive sponsor of Future Ready Librarians® (FRL).
The ISLMA Awards Banquet will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield, Ill. Follett will be represented at the event by Wayne Schumann, Regional Sales Director, Follett School Solutions.
United Way Rock River Valley and Follett Content Partner to Donate 2,000 Books to Rockford Students
April 2, 2026
United Way Rock River Valley and Follett Content are proud to partner on placing 2,000 new books directly into the hands of Rockford Public School students. Follett Content's donation fulfills the entire goal of United Way's Books for Brighter Futures...
Read more
2026 Approved & Ready: NYC Library Solutions
March 23, 2026
New York City, NY., Mar. 23, 20206 – Follett Content is an approved vendor for New York City (NYC) school libraries, enabling NYC educators to confidently place library material orders through a trusted, established partner. Through this contract, Follett Content...
Read more
Follett Content Accelerates Public Library Strategy
February 19, 2026
McHenry, Ill., Feb. 19, 2026 – Building on its September 2025 introduction into the public library market, Follett Content today announced a significant next step in its growth strategy: the addition of widely respected library-market veterans and a series of new technology...
Read more
Follett Content and Sora Student Reading App Announce Landmark Partnership
December 9, 2025
We are providing an improved experience for your readers by making digital content available through Sora, the award-winning student reading app by OverDrive.
Read more
All4Ed's Future Ready Schools Launches Future Ready Librarians Framework 3.0
October 16, 2025
Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2025 — All4Ed’s Future Ready Schools® (FRS) today announced the release of the Future Ready Librarians® Framework 3.0, an updated framework that positions school librarians as catalysts for learning, innovation, and equity in today’s rapidly changing...
Read more
Follett Content Expands to Public Libraries
September 23, 2025
McHenry, Ill., Sep. 23, 2025 – Follett Content, a trusted partner of PreK-12 school librarians worldwide and leader in educational content and services, today announced it will support the children’s and Young Adult (YA) public library space. This initiative stems from the company’s...
Read more