It Never Hurts to Ask!

Listening to the radio recently, I was reminded that this week is the semi-annual fundraising drive for my local public radio station.

Giving a Voice to Small and Rural Libraries

Small and rural libraries play a critical role in connecting community members to vital resources and programs. Each year nearly 30 million Americans are served by the nation’s approximately 4,000 rural library systems. This number illustrates the value that local communities place on library services. Small and rural libraries are the heart of the community they serve. Like their counterparts they are a place of information, a community hub connecting people to people offering safe havens for their users while providing the range of information resources needed to live, learn,

Illinois Prairie District Public Library - Printable Media

The pandemic made Zoom a household word, even if many people were unfamiliar with the platform of the capabilities. I created this infographic to share with our patrons as a step-by-step guide on how to use Zoom for meetings.

Sparks Podcast Episode 33: Durand CUSD #322

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!

#FundLibraries Challenge Update!

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:

Are You Ready for the #FundLibraries Challenge?

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!

Subscribe to the My Library Is... Marketing Newsletter

RAILS has a new tool for libraries to stay connected to the My Library Is... campaign. As part of the campaign, you can subscribe to receive a regular newsletter with links to blog posts, templates, and resources. Anyone who is interested in telling the story of the library and proving the library's value to stakeholders is encouraged to subscribe. This email arrives the first Monday of every month.

What Does It Mean to Be a Library Marketer?

If you hear the term “marketing,” does your mind jump to Madison Avenue types like Don Draper? Or do you start thinking about what’s on your grocery list? Maybe something in between? Here in Libraryland, the species known as "Ipsum bibliothecarii" (marketing librarian) has only recently evolved. We still don’t know a lot about them, and just when we think we have them figured out, they surprise us.

Panel Presentation Event on April 21

Four members of the My Library Is… Advisory Team will share their library stories in this panel presentation. Representing school and public libraries, the panelists will discuss how their libraries have engaged their patrons, educated their stakeholders, and expanded the reach and value of the library to their communities. A short Q&A will follow.

Panelists:

Every Trick in (and out of) the Book

Textbook affordability and accessibility issues are not new. We have seen alarming articles on how the rising costs of required course materials is overburdening college students and thwarting their efforts to achieve their educational and professional goals. But academic libraries are stepping up to advocate for students and to provide resources for both students and faculty and to support the instructional mission of their institutions.

My Library Is ...

advocacy