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My Library Is... Blog

An alebrije sculpture in the library.

My Library Is... Presenting an Amazing Exhibit of Mexican Art

Posted on May 27, 2024

On January 29, 2024 Northern Illinois University Libraries opened a new exhibit displaying large Mexican sculpture pieces known as alebrijes. The exhibit, which will remain open until November 8, presents a collection of 23 pieces created by six artists from Mexico City. The DuPage Mexican Cultural Center in West Chicago selected the pieces and provided them to the library.

Four students around a table, showing a Lewis Latimer picture book, working on an invention in STEAM club.

Risingsteam: Unveiling the Wonders of Diversity in Steam through Creative Exploration

Posted on May 20, 2024

In the bustling halls of Northbrook Glenview District 30, a beacon of innovation and inclusion is rising. It is called RisingSTEAM, a transformative initiative that is breaking barriers and igniting the passions of young minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM).

The Off Topic Exhibit in the Kemper Room at Galvin Library

My Library Is... Supporting Student Creativity

Posted on May 16, 2024

The Kemper Room is an exhibition space located on the upper level of the Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Over the years it has been a place for campus partners to showcase an eclectic assortment of work: German airbrushed ceramics, textile artwork, photography, a student drama group show, and more.

A library display of various students names written in Arabic.

My Library Is... Keeping It Real by Exploring Nonfiction Comics through the Lens of Diverse Women Creators

Posted on May 13, 2024

Thanks to the generosity of the RAILS My Library Is . . .  Grant, students at Oak Lawn Community High School have an opportunity to learn about the unique experiences and perspectives of women content creators from diverse backgrounds while also appreciating the significance of non-fiction comics as a form of storytelling and expression.  

Decorative image.

My Library Is... Reading Widely

Posted on May 6, 2024

We were lucky enough to be a recipient the 2023 My Library Is...

Mental health books available for students.

My Library Is... Supporting Mental Health

Posted on April 29, 2024

Like many educators, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on my mental health. By February of 2021, I had a decision to make: remain in education or leave. I was dismayed with the state of public education and seriously considered leaving it all behind. But it wasn’t just educators. Students were suffering too. And I love my students.

Maker Backpack High Point School

My Library Is… Extending STEM Learning Outside of the Library!

Posted on April 8, 2024

Imagine giving your students the power to dive into the world of STEM wherever they go. Well, thanks to the RAILS “My Library Is…” grant money, our school library has launched the coolest initiative we've ever done - Maker Backpacks! Maker Backpacks are STEM kits that students can check out and utilize at home.

Book Giveaway Case

My Library Is... Giving Away Books

Posted on November 27, 2023

Like many libraries, the Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology receives more donated books than can possibly be added to the collection. Many of the donated titles are fiction and while we do have a leisure reading collection, only a small fraction of the books are of interest to the library.

parent and toddler in front of LiteZilla

My Library Is... LiteZilla Lights Up Lisle Library District

Posted on October 16, 2023

In 2022, while undergoing a major two-phase renovation, the Lisle Library District (LLD) fundraised for a special feature in the Youth Services department: a LiteZilla. The wall installation is akin to a giant Lite Brite with larger pegs that are safe for all ages.

Niles North Renovation.

My Library Is… Designed for Its Users

Posted on October 9, 2023

During the 2022-23 school year, library staff were informed that both of the D219 high school libraries (Niles North and Niles West) would be undergoing significant overhauls. We knew that remodels were on the horizon as we hadn’t been updated in a very long time, but the timeline was earlier than anticipated.