Next Generation mentors and students from  Bloomington Public Library, Cahokia Public Library District, Macomb Public Library and Quincy Public Library were guests of Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library at a picnic in Springfield.

Students were given a special performance by the Jesse White Tumblers before going to the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade 2001 and spending the evening at the Illinois State Fair.