The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) has selected 24 projects to receive My Library Is... Grants. The total amount funded for these projects is $98,957.35.
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.
"We are excited to award these My Library Is... grants," said Monica Harris, RAILS Executive Director. "Now more than ever, we are proud to support libraries in their efforts to tell their stories and promote their important work. We're thrilled to support these libraries and help them serve their communities.”
Out of 69 total applications, the following were selected to receive funds:
Academic Libraries:
- Benedictine University - My Library Is... A Welcoming Space for All Users, $3,190.00
- Black Hawk College Library - My Library Is... Plugged In, $4,300.00
- Illinois College - My Library Is... Making Mental Health a Priority, $5,000.00
- Illinois Institute of Technology - Creating Inclusive Spaces: Enhancing Library Resources for Neurodivergent Students $1,500.00
- Moraine Valley Community College - My Library Is... Connecting communities and cultures, $5,000.00
Public Libraries:
- Bartlett Public Library District - My Library Is... Connecting Patrons with Local History, $4,222.99
- Crystal Lake Public Library - That's a Game Changer - Stimulating Imaginations of Children, Teens and Adults, $1,000.00
- Des Plaines Public Library - My Library Is... Making Life Easier, One Gadget at a Time, $5,000.00
- Hinsdale Public Library - BNSF Line Libraries Commuter Ad, $5,000.00
- La Grange Public Library – Share the Shelf: School Public Library Initiative, $3,045.69
- Pontiac Public Library Story Walk - Reading is a Walk in the Park, $5,000.00
- Streator Public Library – My Library Is... Expanding Library Resources for Domestic Abuse Survivors, $2,000.00
- White Oak Library District - My Library Is... Turning up the Volume on Picture Book Reading, $5,000.00
School Libraries:
- Cristo Rey Jesuit High School - My Library Is... Responsive to the Needs of Our Students, $4,651.70
- Deerfield School District 109 - My Library Is... Relevant, $5,000.00
- Glenbrook South High School Library - Northfield Township High School District #225 - My Library Is... Building Community with New Collections, $2,887.92
- Kaneland Community Unit School District #302 - My Library Is... Supporting Middle School Readers Through the Inclusion of Large Print Books , $2,166.03
- Prairie Crossing Charter School – My Library Is... Creating Natural Leaders, $5,000.00
- Prospect High School, Prospect High School, $5,000.00
- Rondout School District 72 - Your Library...Your Way, $5,000.00
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Media Center - My Library Is... Expanding STEM Access: Inclusive Makerspace & Family STEM Kits, $5,000.00
- Traughber Junior High School- Oswego CUSD 308 - My Library Is... ME! Seeing Myself in Books, $4,993.02
Specialized Libraries:
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Backwin Library - Listen to This! My Library Is... An Important Part of our Organization, $5,000.00
- Gerber/Hart Library and Archives - Gerber/Hart Library and Archives: Building Community through Technology, $5,000.00
RAILS would like to thank the following volunteers who evaluated the grant applications:
- Tanya Prater, Washington District 50
- Lorene Kennard, Rockford Public Library
- Kelly Roberts, Glenbard East High School
- Jennifer Sutton, Lake Park High School-East Campus
- Rachel Seidner, McHenry County College
- Elizabeth Brantner, Lake Villa District Library
- Jeanne Aken, Beach Park CCSD #3
- Aimee Miller, Batavia High School
- Nicole Suarez, Frankfort Public Library District
- Erin Wyatt, Highland Middle School
- Lesley Jakacki, McHenry Public Library District
- Tammy Sheedy, Berwyn Public Library
- Frances Whaley, Kishwaukee College
- Suzy Wolf, Oak Park Public Library
- Lisa Hinchcliffe, University of Illinois
- Morgan Sedano, Indian Trials Public Library
- Loren Mindell, Chicago State University
- Kristen Gatke, Indian Creek High School
- Judy Meir, Plainfield CCSD #202
- Megan Tideman, Oak Park Public Library
- Liesl Cottrell, Concordia University Chicago
For more information about the My Library Is... campaign, visit mylibraryis.org.
Any questions about the My Library Is... Grants should be directed to Jessica Silva, RAILS Member Engagement Specialist, 630.734.5153.