The Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS) has selected 26 projects to receive My Library Is... Grants. The total amount funded for these projects is $104,874.34.
The purpose of these grants is to provide an opportunity for libraries to focus on projects that help tell their institution’s unique story and increase visibility and support for libraries in general.
"It’s an honor to provide this direct support to libraries through the My Library Is... grants,” said Monica Harris, RAILS Executive Director. "Library workers are the best advocates for the work they do, and we are thrilled to offer the resources they need to showcase their impact and deepen their connection with those they serve."
Out of 88 total applications, the following were selected to receive funds:
Academic Libraries:
- Concordia University Chicago - Alleviating Library Anxiety by Enhancing a Creative Space for Students, $ 2,563.90
- McHenry County College - My Library Is... Universal: Adaptive Tools for Every Student, $ 5,000.00
- Northern Illinois University - My Children’s Library... Embraces neurodiversity, ability, and body positivity, $ 1,400.00
- Roosevelt University - Digital Signage for Inclusive Library Outreach, $ 4,925.85
Public Libraries:
- Dixon Public Library - My Library Is... A Friend for a Lifetime, $744.85
- Geneseo Public Library District - My Library Is… Where Stories Take Flight, $4,900.00
- Manteno Public Library District - My Library is... a Crafter's Innovative Hub, $4,000.00
- Martin Township Public Library - My Library Is... Promoting Early Literacy with Tonieboxes!, $1,100.00
- Poplar Creek Public Library District - My Library Is... Making a Creative Community $5,000.00
- Ransom Memorial Public Library - My Library Is... Connecting with Young Families, $5,000.00
- Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library District - My Library Is... A Community Workshop, $4,800.00
- Virginia Memorial Public Library - My Library Is... A supportive place where children can be “all on [their] play-business bent” (Robert Louis Stevenson, from "To Any Reader"), $5,000.00
- Wilmington Public Library District - My Library Is... An early adopter of technology for our patrons, $5,000.00
School Libraries:
- City of Chicago School District #299 - My library Is... A place for accessibilty and resources, $4,250.00
- Community Unit School District #300 - My Library Is... Reading Aloud to Every Child, $4,200.00
- District 50 Schools - My Library Is... For The Littles!, $4,965.13
- Downers Grove Community High School District #99 - My Library Is…Exploration through Innovation, $5,000.00
- Fulton County CUSD #3 - My Library Is... Expanding Access to Literacy through Wonderbooks, $4,783.23
- Grace Lutheran School - My Library is...a Maker Hub, $4,000.00
- Indian Prairie Community Unit School District #204 - Snuggle Up to Success: Reducing Library Anxiety Through Comfort-Based Literacy, $2,200.00
- Libertyville School District 70 - My Library Is... Empowering Student Voice Through Sublimation Artistry, $4,940.64
- Lincoln Elementary School District #156 - My Library Is... Promoting DEI through Audiobooks, $5,000.00
- Oak Lawn-Hometown School District #123 - My Library Is... Making a Difference, $4,586.00
- Sterling CUSD #5 - My Library Is… Meeting the Diverse Language Needs and Interests of K-12 Students, $1,514.74
- Westmont Unit School District #201 - Our Library Is... Turning a Digital Page, $5,000.00
Specialized Libraries:
- Theosophical Society in America - My Library Is... A Gateway to Rare and Esoteric Knowledge, $5,000.00
RAILS would like to thank the following volunteers who evaluated the grant applications:
- Susan Mohr
- Ann Chandler
- Megan Tideman
- Melissa Badger
- Hope Paskus
- Morgan Sedano
- John Kokoris
- Kim Scott
- Catherine Yanikoski
- Emily Porter
- Rebecca Malinowski
- Elizabeth Brantner
- Dawn Scuderi
- Kathy Parker
- Becky Fyolek
- Laura Long
- Maggie Rountree
- Kelly Roberts
- David Eckert
Any questions about the My Library Is... Grants should be directed to Jessica Silva, RAILS Member Engagement Specialist, 630.734.5153.