2025 My Library Is… Grants Now Open for Application

RAILS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 My Library Is… Grants. These grants are designed to help libraries tell their story and are open to ALL types of RAILS member libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized).

About the Grant: 

As part of the My Library Is… campaign, RAILS invites applications for grant projects that help tell the library's story. The purpose of these grants is to let individual libraries identify their needs as it relates to telling their story. Grants must include the following elements: 

  • Project Title 
  • Budget 
  • Description 
  • Statement of Outcome Statement of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion 

Key Details: 

Eligibility: All RAILS libraries are invited to apply. 
Grant Amount: Libraries may apply for up to $5,000. 
Application Deadline: Monday, February 3, 5:00 pm Central 
Application Guidelines: Detailed application guidelines and forms can be found on our website at https://railslibraries.org/grants/mli  
Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on specific criteria 
Grant Period: The grants are intended to last up to one year from the date of funding. 

How to Apply: 

To apply for this grant, please visit https://railslibraries.org/grants/mli and complete the online application form. You must log in to L2 to access the application. Make sure to review the guidelines thoroughly before submitting your application. 

Grant Office Hours: 

RAILS will be holding My Library Is… Grant Office Hours. These online events are intended to help spark ideas and answer questions about the grant. The presentation portion of the events will be recorded. 

Grant Office Hours: 
Public/ Special Libraries: Thursday, November 14, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 4 p.m. 

Academic/ School Libraries: Thursday, November 21, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 4 p.m. 

Virtual Cowork: 

This virtual cowork time will allow grant writers to work independently while together online. RAILS staff will be available to answer any My Library Is... Grant questions. Attendees will also be able to ask questions of other applicants and network with other potential applicants. 

Virtual Cowork Times: 

Monday, December 2, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. 

Thursday, December 12, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. 

Grant Contact: 

Jessica Silva 

Member Engagement Specialist 
RAILS 
Burr Ridge Office 
630.734.5153 
jessica.silva@railslibraries.org