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My Library Is... Blog

If you have an idea for a My Library Is... blog post, send it to the RAILS Communications Team at communications@railslibraries.info.

Lake Villa District Library logo featuring the slogan Connecting People

Library Logo Breakdown: Lake Villa District Library

Posted on August 20, 2025

Logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library.  

So, what does an effective library logo look like? What considerations do libraries need to address when designing their logos?

Lake Villa District Library logo

Library Logo Breakdown: Lake Villa District

Posted on August 18, 2025

Logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library.  

So, what does an effective library logo look like? What considerations do libraries need to address when designing their logos?

Spanish books on bookshelf.

My Library Needs the Truth… in Spanish!

Posted on August 11, 2025

Incorporating Spanish language books into your school library collection isn’t just about providing enjoyable reading material; it’s about creating an environment that values diversity, promotes language development, and prepares students for a global world.

Glen Ellyn Public Library outreach van purchased with IMLS funding

IMLS Stories: Glen Ellyn Public Library Anywhere Project

Posted on August 6, 2025

On March 14, 2025, Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Recording studio with computer and recording equipment.

My Library Is... Supporting Multi-Modal Student Projects

Posted on August 4, 2025

At Rockford University we know that student research and expression can take many forms – sometimes written, sometimes visual, and increasingly, spoken or recorded. That’s why we’re excited to announce a brand-new creative space opening in Fall 2025: The Audio Lab @ Howard Colman Library.

Cook Memorial Public Library District Logo featuring window clipart

Library Logo Breakdown: Cook Memorial Public Library District

Posted on July 30, 2025

Logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library.  

So, what does an effective library logo look like? What considerations do libraries need to address when designing their logos?

Spanish materials on a library bookshelf.

Mi Biblioteca Es... Inclusiva

Posted on July 28, 2025

The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library applied for the My Library Is... Grant to furnish our new branch with a curated selection of Spanish titles and resources for the community. Our library district serves the villages of Manhattan, Elwood, and Jackson Township in the south suburbs.

The front of the Riverside Public Library building

What Do You Love About Your Library? Library Love Superlatives

Posted on July 23, 2025

Reaching Forward North is a professional development conference for library support staff in central and northern Illinois put on by the Illinois Library Association. This took place on May 1, 2025. The staff at RAILS operated a booth at the conference and hosted a giveaway.

Student reading book.

My Library Is… Overhauling Our History!

Posted on July 21, 2025

John L. Hensey Elementary School was very excited when we were awarded this wonderful grant opportunity to help update our History and Social Studies book collections throughout the school.  Our school collection had less diversity (only 3% of the collection) when I started a few years ago.

Sue Davidson, librarian

Transforming a Recently Reopened Library with an Infusion of Culturally Relevant Books

Posted on July 14, 2025

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