Program Background
RAILS and Cook County Digital Equity are partnering to establish a pilot Digital Navigator Network among suburban Cook County libraries. Cook County’s Digital Equity Plan champions libraries as a key factor for residents in building the confidence they need to use technology successfully in their daily lives. Libraries are safe and trusted environments for community members to access internet connections, technology equipment, expert assistance, and skill-building opportunities. The Cook County Library Digital Navigator Network will provide additional resources to continue and expand these essential digital navigation services.
This initiative seeks to create stronger connections among public libraries and County government, empower communities, and reduce the digital divide with a model that is equitable, sustainable, builds on existing strengths, and creates systemic change. It was spearheaded by Cook County Digital Equity through the Cook County Office of the President, implemented in partnership with RAILS, and supported by the Cook County Equity Fund.
Grant Program Co-Designed with Libraries
The Digital Navigator Network's resources will be accessible to libraries of all sizes and funding levels across suburban Cook County, especially in communities most impacted by digital inequities. We are working with libraries to co-design a grant program and other supports that will positively impact their ability to provide digital navigation services, without creating unnecessary administrative barriers. Library staff who support community members every day and understand the real challenges, barriers, and assets in their communities are essential partners in this process.
Please Share Your Thoughts
As a key part of our Human-Centered Design process, we welcomed staff at all levels from all suburban Cook County public libraries to a series of listening sessions in March 2026. Input gathered through these sessions will directly inform Digital Navigator Network design and implementation.
If you missed the listening sessions or want to provide additional feedback, we want to hear from you! Check out the slide presentation and handout from the sessions, then complete the feedback form to share your own challenges, needs, ideas, and successes.
Mini-Pilot Funding Opportunity
In January 2026, a group of libraries serving areas that are below average in key equity measures related to funding, technology availability, and underserved populations were invited to participate in a Mini-Pilot funding opportunity. Participating libraries' projects include purchasing hotspots and other devices to circulate, upgrading network infrastructures, implementing assistive technologies, training staff, and offering patron digital skills classes. In addition to providing an initial infusion of support where it’s needed most, the Mini-Pilot is a prototype grant program that will help us learn what works, what doesn’t, and how we can best support libraries in making impact in their communities.
Community of Practice
A Guiding Team of 15 individuals representing libraries across suburban Cook County began its work in November 2025 to advise in the co-design and shared vision of the Cook County Library Digital Navigator Network. Libraries receiving Mini-Pilot funding or participating in other program activities become a part of this collective learning and co-building. As the Digital Navigator Network takes shape, library staff will have opportunities to participate in training events, ongoing learning, and a supportive community of practitioners.
Guiding Team
Reflecting the diversity of Cook County’s public libraries across factors like position titles, geographic location, community size, cultural representation, and funding levels, these dedicated individuals bring important library worker and trustee perspectives to our countywide collaboration.
- Mike Byrne, Blue Island Public Library
- Tanya King, Broadview Public Library District
- Molly Bitters, Eisenhower Public Library District
- Jessica Barnes, Flossmoor Public Library
- Skye Lavin, Forest Park Public Library
- Leah Knobbe, Franklin Park Public Library District
- Tracy Ducksworth, Grande Prairie Public Library District
- Sam Swift, Indian Trails Public Library District
- Todd Miller, Niles-Maine District Library
- Maddie Borth, North Riverside Public Library District
- Elaina Dague, Oak Lawn Public Library
- Ivan Sanchez, Palatine Public Library District
- Courtney Cosgriff, Schaumburg Township District Library
- Amy Budzicz, Skokie Public Library
- Ana Brown, Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by the Cook County Equity Fund.