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My Library Is... Blog

If you have an idea for a My Library Is... blog post, send it to the RAILS Communications Team at communications@railslibraries.info.

Library display of graphic novels.

My Library Is... Growing Graphic Novels

Posted on September 29, 2025

The HSA McKinley School library received the My Library Is… Grant to purchase books to increase our graphic novel section. As I am sure is true of most schools, our graphic novel section tended to have the highest rates of circulation and interest for our students in grades 3-8 especially.  

Three people standing in front of library.

My Library Is... Storied

Posted on September 22, 2025

With celebrations for the 175th anniversary of our university slated for 2025, librarians at Illinois Wesleyan University envisioned a digital humanities project that would share the story of libraries on campus from the institution's founding in 1850 forward.

room with chairs and exercise balls

The Gwendolyn Brooks Library's Sensory Space: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Health and Wellness

Posted on September 15, 2025

The Gwendolyn Brooks Library at Chicago State University has created a sensory space to promote health and wellness. The library sensory space offers a calming environment for students to decompress, de-stress, and regulate their emotions.

Laptop and books and tech gear on table.

Small Upgrades, Big Impact: How Our Library Grant Created a More Inclusive, Tech-Friendly Space

Posted on September 8, 2025

At Aurora University Library, we are always looking for meaningful ways to enhance the services we provide to our students, staff, and the wider campus community.

Person using laptop.

Welcome to the Library - It’s Not Just for Books Anymore!

Posted on September 1, 2025

Libraries today are about so much more than just borrowing books. In our library, you can find plenty of books, but also DVDs, audiobooks, CDs, and a variety of items through our Library of Things.

Resource Center and fabric sign with "Music is the Universal Language."

A Sign of the Times: Elevating Library Access at the Old Town School of Folk Music

Posted on August 25, 2025

Tucked away behind a single door in the basement of the Old Town School of Folk Music (OTSFM) in Lincoln Square you’ll find the Resource Center (RC). The RC is a library and archive that has long served the OTSFM community. It’s a rich, but under-recognized, hub for music literature, sound recordings, and educational materials.

Lake Villa District Library logo featuring the slogan Connecting People

Library Logo Breakdown: Lake Villa District Library

Posted on August 20, 2025

Logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library.  

So, what does an effective library logo look like? What considerations do libraries need to address when designing their logos?

Spanish books on bookshelf.

My Library Needs the Truth… in Spanish!

Posted on August 11, 2025

Incorporating Spanish language books into your school library collection isn’t just about providing enjoyable reading material; it’s about creating an environment that values diversity, promotes language development, and prepares students for a global world.

Glen Ellyn Public Library outreach van purchased with IMLS funding

IMLS Stories: Glen Ellyn Public Library Anywhere Project

Posted on August 6, 2025

On March 14, 2025, Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Recording studio with computer and recording equipment.

My Library Is... Supporting Multi-Modal Student Projects

Posted on August 4, 2025

At Rockford University we know that student research and expression can take many forms – sometimes written, sometimes visual, and increasingly, spoken or recorded. That’s why we’re excited to announce a brand-new creative space opening in Fall 2025: The Audio Lab @ Howard Colman Library.