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My Library Is... Blog

Image credit: Jerseyville Public Library.

My Library Is ... Bringing "Senior Storytime" to Local Assisted Living Facilities

Posted on March 9, 2023

The Jerseyville Public Library has been presenting Preschool Storytime for as long back as most staff members can remember. It is a program presented once a month where children ages 2-6 can gather at the library and have a story read to them, sing and dance along to some fun tunes and use their little hands to make a special craft. The children enjoy it so much and have a great time.

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Reminder: Applications for My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries Due March 2

Posted on February 20, 2023

The application period for the My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries is open and runs through Thursday, March 2. In 2022, RAILS awarded $78,232.80 in My Library Is... Grants to 20 school libraries. These grants help recipients focus on projects that tell the library story and increase visibility and support for school libraries.

My Library Is... Conversation with Dawn Scuderi

My Library Is... Conversation with Dawn Scuderi

Posted on February 6, 2023

RAILS Member Engagement Manager Dan Bostrom talks with Dawn Scuderi from Summit Hill Junior High School in Frankfort, Illinois. Summit Hill was the recipient of a 2022 My Library Is... Grant for School Libraries.

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Celebrating Makerspace Success

Posted on January 26, 2023

Makerspaces in libraries are great. While makerspaces allow people to get creative and discover new ideas for projects, using the new equipment can be daunting for those who are unfamiliar with it. That’s why The Workshop Lab at Palatine Library District created an easy and accessible way to introduce members to the new space. 

Milner Library at Illinois State University

Tackling Textbook Affordability

Posted on January 3, 2023

When Illinois State University conducted a Textbook Affordability survey in the spring of 2019, it was clear there was a problem—one felt by institutions across the United States.

Objects printed at Illinois State University Milner Library

Sparking Creativity and Advancing Research with 3D Printing

Posted on December 29, 2022

3D printing was launched at Illinois State University’s Milner Library as part of our Make It Space initiative in the fall of 2018. Initial interest was strong, but our staff was flooded with requests after we moved the printer to a highly visible, publicly accessible space.

Someone wearing a sweatshirt that says "I like you, but if zombies chase us, I'm tripping you."

Making a Makerspace: A Library-Win Fable

Posted on December 26, 2022

Once upon a time, there was a library nestled amid farm fields in Central Illinois.  Now, this library was not big, but its patrons loved the library, and the library loved all the people that came to visit.  The kind people who ran the library wanted to do everything they could to provide materials and services to their patrons that could not be found elsewhere.

Hand holding a light bulb.

Teaching Essential Digital Literacy

Posted on December 19, 2022

In May of 2022, a patron came up to the Reference Desk at the Northbrook Public Library asking for help with her new cell phone. She said that she had previously used a flip phone, but was told by her phone provider that they no longer supported it and that she needed to get a smartphone.

Books in a display case

Library Exhibit in the Southeast Asia Collection

Posted on December 19, 2022

Northern Illinois University Libraries are home to a vital, growing Southeast Asia (SEA) Collection, probably the largest in Illinois.

woman holding a diploma

Meet Aseel! A Chicago Ridge Public Library Patron Story

Posted on December 16, 2022

"In Chicago Ridge, everyone is here for one another and is always ready to help whenever they see someone in need." Aseel Alhamidi