Blog

All the Crafts!

13 September 2021

Gail Graziani

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…watercolor bookmark, clay pot gnome, beeswax wrap, cactus rock, painted tea towel, clay pot leprechaun hat, framed burlap chick, sock bunny, decoupage trinket tray, bird mason jar, braided bracelet, swirly paper flowers, lip balm tin, tiny herb pot, tulip string art…

Crafts have been a popular offering at the Lisle Library District for many years. Prior to the pandemic, LLD held monthly family craft programs, adult craft programs, and separate teen craft programs. These events were well-attended with people calling the library as soon as registration opened to make sure...

Letter tiles spelling out the word "plan".

Making the Most of August at the Library

23 August 2021

Donna Forbis

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I have a love/hate relationship with August. I hate August because it sometimes feels useless. August is long and hot and dreary. Summer reading is wrapping up or is over already, but it is too soon to start thinking about next year. Patrons seem to be far too preoccupied with tying up their own summers and getting ready for back-to-school to participate in programming. Most autumn activities and programming don’t kick into high gear until after Labor Day. And, there are no universally recognized holidays in August to offer staff a mental break from their routines.

Despite...

Image of Deirdre Brennan, Audra Hill, Kelly Giovanine

Sparks Podcast Episode 33: Durand CUSD #322

13 August 2021

Nicole Zimmermann

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What happens when you realize that your community is unaware that they have access to a library? You apply for a My Library Is... grant and use those funds to create awareness that the public library is combined with the school library!

In this podcast, RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with Durand CUSD #322 school librarian Audra Hill and Kelly Giovanine, Executive Director of Durand Charm, a local non-profit, about their My...

Image credit: Northern Illinois University.

My Library Is…Increasing the Visibility of Local Government and Policy Expertise

10 August 2021

Anonymous

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Northern Illinois University (NIU) is home to several programs designed to facilitate meaningful collaborations that address state and regional challenges, promote growth, manage change, and build stronger communities. NIU’s Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development (OERD) creates partnerships on and off campus to foster engagement and build networks of thought leaders and decision-makers in education, government, arts and culture, non-profit management, and other sectors...

Book pumpkin. Image credit: Morton Public Library.

#FundLibraries Challenge Update!

5 August 2021

Dan Bostrom

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Thank you to all of the libraries that have already participated in the #FundLibraries Challenge! We've seen some incredible creations from libraries who want everyone to know how they make a difference in their community. Who knew you could make such wonderful things out of books?

It really demonstrates the energy and passion our libraries have for the work they do for their patrons. Below, we've linked you to the social media posts from our participating libraries:

Image credit: Theme Photos via Unsplash.com.

Upcoming My Library Is... Online Roundtables

6 July 2021

Dan Bostrom

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Are you interested in graphic design for your library? Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie to the topic, there are two events coming up that can help you unlock new possibilities! Both of these events are open to any library staff from any Illinois library.

My Library Is Online Roundtable: Canva for Libraries
Tuesday, July 20
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Samantha Rusk, Business Manager, Vespasian Warner Public Library District

...

Partnering with the Parks Department to Inspire a Community

21 June 2021

Victoria Blackmer

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As a youth services programmer this year has been tough. Severe restrictions on space ensured an inability to fully engage and collaborate in person throughout the pandemic. This restricted access made it difficult to feel connected to the community my library sought to serve. In order to help bridge this gap, the Robert R. Jones Public Library has collaborated with the Village of Coal Valley’s Parks Department to provide Coal Valley's youth a fun-filled summer of possibilities through a revamped 2021 Day-Camp program.

Children need to be active every day to promote healthy...

Are You Ready for the #FundLibraries Challenge?

15 June 2021

Dan Bostrom

Comments: 0

RAILS is inviting all Illinois libraries to participate in a new social media challenge. Show your support for libraries and library advocacy by building something inspiring and posting it on social media. By acting collectively, we can bring more attention to the need for proper library funding in Illinois and beyond! Here’s how to participate:

1. Build something using books!

Let’s have fun and draw attention to the need for comprehensive library funding! We are seeking to highlight the spirt and ingenuity of libraries through your book sculptures. Examples...

Lisle Home Delivery Cart. Image credit: Lisle Library District.

Facilitating a Home Delivery Program: Challenges and Rewards

14 June 2021

Gail Graziani

Comments: 0

Due to an out of state move, The Lisle Library District is saying good-bye to our amazing Home Delivery Coordinator, Winona Patterson, who has run the program since 2015. LLD’s Home Delivery program began in 1993 with two patrons and one volunteer and has grown over the years to approximately 70 participants and 3 community volunteers. This post shares some of Winona’s insights into the challenges and rewards of facilitating a successful Home Delivery program.

How would you describe LLD’s Home Delivery program?

The Lisle Library District’s Home Delivery...

My Library Is…Finally Connected!

10 June 2021

Dan Bostrom

Comments: 1

Waynesville is a very small, very rural community. We have an American Legion and a post office. Our younger kids go to school eight miles away. For middle school and high school it’s 17 miles away. But we do have… A LIBRARY! And now? Our library is the first non-automated library to join Find More Illinois! And we couldn’t be happier.

With Find More Illinois, the patrons in our small township have access to much larger libraries. They now have access to more than three millions items! They can search for any book and have it shipped right to our local library. Find More Illinois...

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