RAILS and Cook County Digital Equity are partnering to establish a Digital Navigator Network among suburban Cook County libraries and working with libraries to co-design a grant program that will support the network. As a precursor to the main Cook County Digital Navigator Network grant program launching in 2026, the Mini-Pilot provides support to under-resourced libraries in building baseline capacity for providing digital navigation services. Feedback and stories from the Mini-Pilot will help us learn what works, what doesn’t, and how we can best support libraries in making impact in their communities.
Awards: Up to 31 awards of $2,000 each; non-competitive
Recipients: ILLINET member public libraries in suburban Cook County serving areas that are below average in key equity measures related to funding, technology availability, and underserved populations.
Funding Source: Cook County Equity Fund, administered by RAILS pursuant to Cook County Board of Commissioners Resolution #25-2339
Contact: Anne Slaughter, anne.slaughter@railslibraries.org or 630-734-5127
Timeline:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Opportunity announced; project plan submissions open | January 12, 2026 |
| Coworking session for libraries | January 20, 2026 |
| Project plans due | January 28, 2026 |
| RAILS staff emails libraries with agreements to review and sign | February 4, 2026 Libraries submitting their plans before the deadline may receive agreements before this date |
| Agreements due to RAILS | February 5, 2026 for first wave of funds February 11, 2026 for second wave of funds |
| Funds issued | First wave: February 11, 2026 Second wave: February 18, 2026 |
| Interim report due | April 15, 2026 |
| Mini-Pilot library convening (in-person) | TBD - April 2026 |
| Funds expended; project term ends | May 31, 2026 |
| Final report due | June 15, 2026 |
How to Receive Funding
Libraries are asked to submit a plan that includes a description of activities, how the funding will be used, information on community needs, and desired impacts.
Deadline: Wednesday, January 28 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Form: Use this form to complete and submit your plan.
Worksheet: Preview the questions and draft your answers with the editable worksheet (Word document). The worksheet is not the official form; you must submit your plan via the webform.
Review: Plans will be reviewed for completeness, feasibility within the timeline and award amount, and alignment with guidelines. We may reach out with questions. We will email you during the first week of February with next steps to receive the funds, including an agreement to review and sign.
Support for Libraries
Coworking Session: Virtual coworking session on January 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm to get clarification on the program, discuss project ideas, network with other Mini-Pilot libraries, and work independently while together online. RAILS staff will be available to answer questions. Attendance is optional but highly encouraged. This event will be recorded.
Peer Support: This document, created by the Guiding Team of library staff helping to design this program, has detailed project examples and a list of individuals to contact for additional information and support with ideas and practical considerations.
Additional Resources: Not clear on what a digital navigator is? Wondering what this project is all about? The Mini-Pilot resources page includes useful resources, definitions, and additional information about the Cook County Digital Navigator Network initiative.
Contact: If you need feedback or other resources, please reach out to Anne Slaughter, RAILS Director of Technology Services, at anne.slaughter@railslibraries.org or 630-734-5127
Project Guidelines
Projects should:
- Cover one or more of the Priority Areas,
- Address community needs for assistance accessing and/or using technology, and
- Increase the library’s capacity to sustainably meet these needs.
Priority Areas
Each area includes examples of potential projects but does not include every possible type of activity. Based on your community’s needs and your library’s existing capacity, please identify a project covering one or more of these areas that would be feasible to implement within approximately three months. You may expand on a service you’re already offering or get creative and try something new.
- Devices for patrons — computers, hotspots, assistive technology equipment
- Technology infrastructure — Wi-Fi access points, network upgrades
- Staff training — digital navigation training, technology instruction skills
- Community engagement & partnerships — technology used for outreach, community collaborations
- Service model development — needs assessments, space adjustments, planning work
Uses of Funding
Your project plan should describe how you will spend the funds. A detailed budget breakdown is not required, but more details may be requested if needed in the review process.
- Activities aligned with priority areas
- Contracted expertise (e.g., tech consultants, trainers)
- Additional hours for non-exempt staff to participate in training or implementation
Restrictions
- No new permanent staff positions
- No permanent changes to compensation or hours for existing staff
- Must be feasible within the $2,000 award and short timeline
Project Scope
You may consider projects that could be continued or expanded if additional funding is received in the main Cook County Digital Navigator Network program. Additional funding via this program is possible but not guaranteed.
Storytelling
Libraries receiving this funding will help strengthen the design of the Cook County Library Digital Navigator Model and main grant program by sharing the experiences of library staff and patrons. You will have the chance to connect with each other and share your experiences at an in-person convening in April.
Reports
Reports on activities, expenditures, and impacts are required. A report form and guidance will be provided. Interim reports are due on April 15, and final reports are due on June 15.
RAILS, County, or other partner staff may schedule site visits to observe implementation activities and gather insights.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by the Cook County Equity Fund.