A new law requiring all public libraries in Illinois to maintain supplies of opioid overdose reversal medications takes effect January 1, 2026.
Public Act 104-0056, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 1, 2025, amends the Illinois Local Library Act to mandate that all libraries open to the public stock opioid antagonists—such as naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan) or nalmefene—and ensure trained staff are available during operating hours to administer the medication in emergencies.
“Medications like naloxone save lives, but only if they are readily available when needed,” said Director Vohra. “With this updated standing order, community institutions like public libraries will be able to respond quickly and effectively to an overdose emergency. Expanding access to these lifesaving interventions improves the chances of recovery and strengthens our collective ability to build a more responsive, compassionate public health system.”
The statewide requirement builds on Chicago’s successful program, which began distributing Narcan kits at all 81 Chicago Public Libraries in January 2022. In its first 20 months, the Chicago program distributed over 10,000 Narcan kits. At the Oak Park Public Library, a suburb west of Chicago, staff have helped save approximately 20 lives since beginning to stock naloxone in March 2023.
Under the new statute, public libraries must maintain accessible supplies of FDA-approved opioid reversal agents and take “reasonable steps” to ensure at least one trained employee or volunteer is present during all operating hours.
Authorized library personnel may administer naloxone to anyone believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose on library grounds, in the immediate vicinity of the library, or at library-sponsored events. The law provides immunity from liability for libraries and their staff except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.
Training can be conducted by recognized organizations or created in-house using free resources available from the Illinois Department of Public Health or Department of Human Services. The state’s Drug Overdose Prevention Program offers both free naloxone supplies and training to registered libraries, ensuring the law imposes no additional costs on library systems.
The Illinois Department of Human Services has distributed one million 2-dose boxes of Narcan to community organizations, treatment centers, and public facilities across the state over the past four years. Libraries can obtain supplies from any lawful source, including the state health department, local county health departments, or pharmacies. The Illinois Department of Public Health issued an updated standing order in December 2025 allowing libraries to obtain naloxone or nalmefene without a prescription.
