Public libraries in Illinois now required to store anti-opioid overdose medications after a series of near-deaths

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Independent

Sunday 28 December 2025 17:34 EST


A new state law will require all public libraries in Illinois to stock medications that can reverse opioid overdoses after at least one library in the state reported multiple overdoses each year.

The new law, which goes into effect January 1, will require all public libraries in the state to stock opioid overdose reversal drugs and allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose, the Illinois Department of Public Health said earlier this month.

Many libraries across the state have already stocked overdose reversal medications like naloxone or nalmefene to help patrons who have potentially overdosed.

Opioid abuse among library patrons is “a real challenge and an unfortunate reality,” Rob Simmons, the director of social services and public safety at the Oak Park Public Library, told the Chicago Tribune. Simmons estimated that about two or three people overdose at the library each year, often in the bathrooms.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/illinois-public-libraries-opioid-overdose-medications-b2891279.html

[intheflow]

1. I'm a public librarian and I say good on Illinois!

We begged and pleaded for years for these meds to be administered by staff but only were able to get them after they became over-the-counter. How many people OD in our bathrooms? Sometimes (around 2020) it was as high as 1x a week. That's been cut down significantly.