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.

Upcoming My Library Is... Online Roundtables

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

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!

Discovering Books

Most people coming into my library have no idea what they are looking for. Many students coming in with their class are required to pick a book for an assignment. Most don't consider themselves readers and struggle to name a book they would recommend to a friend. How do I help these kids find books? Genres! (And lots of questions).

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:

You Are Not Alone

This is my first year at a school library. I worked at a public library for 13 years. There were always times that were more stressful and busier than others but moving to a school I have encountered a strange phenomenon that starts in March, and I am told lasts until the end of the school year when everything and everyone starts feeling the push to get things done and ends up stressed. I heard about it before it started and I thought, “that won’t happen to me.” Guess what, it did. I now feel buried both at school and at work in a way I have never experienced before.

The Virtual (and Physical) Heart of the School

As March marches in, I can't help but think where I was a year ago--give or take a week. As I reflect upon the bustling school library I left, and the one I am currently in, I have to work hard to conjure up what was. Pandemically speaking, I (and dare I say many of my school librarian colleagues) have had to reinvent themselves and their methods very quickly. Creating virtual libraries and displays, engaging book talks, collaboratively creating protocols for curbside checkout and seamless returns have all been a part of this year long journey.

My First Year as a School Librarian

I started working at my hometown library when I was 16 and have been working in libraries ever since. The library was my happy place as a teen and in my first year as a school librarian, I hope to bring that feeling to an entire school of teens and teachers alike.

Announcing the My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries!

As part of the My Library Is… campaign, RAILS and AISLE are teaming up to offer up to ten $1,000 grants to help school libraries promote their value. My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries are designed to help libraries tell their stories in a more coordinated and impactful way.

RAILS and AISLE are inviting creative approaches that emphasize some aspect of marketing, promotion, storytelling, and/or advocacy. Examples could include (but not are limited to):

My Library Is... Conversation with Dr. Mary Moen

RAILS Member Engagement Manager Dan Bostrom speaks with Dr. Mary Moen from the School Librarians of Rhode Island about Overdue: The Value of School Librarians. The School Librarians of Rhode Island produced this short documentary style advocacy film to show the value of school librarians. Please be sure to watch the video (linked above) and check out the resources they've provided such as a discussion guide and advocacy letter.

My Library Is ...

school libraries