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iPad in curtained booth, with recording app on screen.

Idea: Patron Stories via iPad

Posted on December 4, 2019

On a recent weekend, after taking Metra downtown and enjoying a nice breakfast and cup of cocoa, I stopped by the Chicago Architecture Biennial exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center - the old main building of the Chicago Public Library.

Going Way Beyond Books - Dan Witvoet from Crete Public Library District

Using an Infomercial-Style Video to Promote Your Library

Posted on December 2, 2019

When I work on a video, it generally starts with a theme or style. I want to find a template in which I can fit my ideas and message, because it will make the rest of the process easier.  I’ve done something like an infomercial, something in the style of an old educational film, and the most recent was kind of a corny car commercial, influenced by a show I love (Tim and Eric Aweso

Lewis University Library Research Chat

Tell Your Library’s Story With Social Media

Posted on November 22, 2019

Social media is a great way to promote your library.  So how do you keep things engaging, but also relatable to your library?  

  • Know your audience

Knowing your core audience, or who you want to promote certain things to, is the first step. What do you want the post to convey?

Pinnacle Library Road Trip Postcard

Pinnacle Library Road Trip

Posted on November 4, 2019

Super fun thing to do as a family. We learned a lot! And visited other libraries we wouldn't of otherwise. Thank you! ~Gabriela S.

Great Road Trip. Liked my journey a lot. Will return to all of these libraries. Good planned idea to focus on Pinnacles libraries. ~Carol P.

Decorative image.

Attracting New Customers to the Library

Posted on October 28, 2019

In the survey RAILS conducted earlier this year, we asked members to rate major challenges they faced when trying to tell their library’s story.

Quincy Public Library Advocacy Video

How Quincy Public Library Used Videos to Show Their Community Support

Posted on September 16, 2019

To better advocate for Quincy Public Library, we decided to ask patrons and library users if they would be willing to speak at City Council meetings in support of library programs.

Rendering of new East Moline Public Library building; photo credit: East Moline Public Library

Campaign for East Moline Public Library

Posted on September 10, 2019

Early in 2019, the East Moline Public Library launched a capital campaign to make the case for their new building.

The library candidate; photo credit:Emily Gilbert

Library Workers in Public Office

Posted on August 13, 2019

“I’m not really a joiner.” The words fell out of my mouth before I really knew what I was saying. I had said the same thing so many times in my life that it felt like a cliche, but I realized in that moment that it had been a while since I had given it much thought.

Germantown Hill Branch Library

Forming Partnerships for Library Advocacy

Posted on July 31, 2019

I really just wanted to host the Skylab from the Peoria Riverfront Museum. That’s all.

And how can you blame me? Have you seen it? It’s this giant inflatable dome and, once inside, it’s a planetarium.

Library Escape Room; photo credit: Marist High School

Communicating Library Value to Teachers

Posted on July 30, 2019

Over the past 10 years, I have utilized a number of strategies to engage my teachers and communicate the value and importance of library resources, especially the value of a certified teacher librarian. I created a library menu, using humor and visuals to offer choices from quick lessons all the way through fully co-taught units.