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To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is launching a Summer Book Club for children and young people who live in the 17th District.

“It’s always a joy to see young people develop their love for growing and learning new things,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Our book club is the perfect summertime opportunity for kids to set goals, experience new ideas and stay engaged, all while fostering a love for reading.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Sims’ Chicago office by Friday, Aug. 14.

To protect incarcerated individuals’ access to communications with their loved ones, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a measure through the Senate to ensure they can’t be charged a fee to receive mail.

“When you have limited communication and contact with loved ones, every moment of human connection matters,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “No one should be able to make a profit from the disenfranchisement of others.”

Under a rule that took effect last year, correctional facilities in Illinois can withhold certain physical mail and instead provide incarcerated individuals with scanned copies of their mail. Under Sims’ measure, incarcerated individuals could not be charged any fees for incoming mail nor would they be charged more than regular U.S. postal rates for mail delivery.

In response to the decision by Walgreens to close its store at 8628 S. Cottage Grove on June 4, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is hosting a community meeting Saturday, May 9 to bring community members together to hear updates and share critical information for the store’s patients and customers.

“For decades, families have relied on this location not just for prescriptions, but for basic necessities, health access and a sense of neighborhood stability,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This is an opportunity to sit down with Walgreens, ask questions and share how this closure impacts your family.”

The community meeting will be held Saturday, May 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at St. Mark United Methodist Church, located at 8441 S. St. Lawrence in Chicago. Sims will be joined by Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and members of the Walgreens corporate team to give community members the opportunity to ask questions and hear updates.

Residents should RSVP by filling out the form here. People with questions about the meeting should reach out to Sims’ office by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Taking a step toward rectifying a serious flaw in the justice system, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a landmark measure to help exonerees rebuild financially and make a smoother transition back into their community.

“We must be vigilant in making sure the criminal justice system upholds fairness,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That means acknowledging the life-changing pain caused by wrongful incarceration and supporting the individuals and families who have been affected by this grave injustice.”