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My Library Is... Blog

Zoom photo of Gerber Hart Sparks episode

Sparks Podcast Episode 32: Gerber/Hart Library & Archives

Posted on May 20, 2021

RAILS Executive Director Deirdre Brennan talks with representatives from Gerber/Hart Library & Archives about their journey to create an eight-episode podcast on the personal stories of LGBTQ life and history in Chicago.

The word "marketing" spelled with Scrabble tiles.

What Does It Mean to Be a Library Marketer?

Posted on May 18, 2021

If you hear the term “marketing,” does your mind jump to Madison Avenue types like Don Draper? Or do you start thinking about what’s on your grocery list? Maybe something in between? Here in Libraryland, the species known as "Ipsum bibliothecarii" (marketing librarian) has only recently evolved.

Bookshelves and tables in library.

Multi-Library Collaboration: A Recent Example

Posted on April 26, 2021

Each February our specialized library helps plan the annual Engineering Day event at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Knowing there are many public libraries in our area that offer STEM resources, we sent out an invite for them to participate along with us.

Panel presentation. Image credit: Unsplash.com.

Panel Presentation Event on April 21

Posted on April 15, 2021

Four members of the My Library Is… Advisory Team will share their library stories in this panel presentation. Representing school and public libraries, the panelists will discuss how their libraries have engaged their patrons, educated their stakeholders, and expanded the reach and value of the library to their communities.

Image credit: Hans Jurgen Mager via Unsplash.com.

You Are Not Alone

Posted on April 12, 2021

This is my first year at a school library. I worked at a public library for 13 years. There were always times that were more stressful and busier than others but moving to a school I have encountered a strange phenomenon that starts in March, and I am told lasts until the end of the school year when everything and everyone starts feeling the push to get things done and ends up stressed.

Storywalk blog post. Image credit: Oregon Public Library District.

StoryWalk© at Oregon Park West- How to Get Patrons on the Move!

Posted on April 5, 2021

What is a Storywalk©? It is a book that has been disassembled, laminated and presented page by page to promote reading and exercise on a trail, bike path, or in store windows. The StoryWalk© Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk© is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

My Library Is... Conversation with Katey Moore.

Conversation with Katey Moore

Posted on April 2, 2021

RAILS Member Engagement Manager Dan Bostrom speaks with Katey Moore, Marketing Coordinator, Bourbonnais Public Library about their approach to video marketing. 

To see more, make sure to follow: 

Image credit: Robert R. Jones Public Library.

Taking Advantage of the Pandemic to Reimagine Our Kids’ Space

Posted on March 31, 2021

This unprecedented year has been rough on us all. As the Assistant Director of a small public library developing and implementing dynamic children’s programming was at the forefront of brainstorms throughout my workweek. Pre-pandemic, my library staffed by five was akin to offering three-five programs a week for our community’s youth.

Image credit: Dunlap Public Library District.

Collaborating with Student Changemakers

Posted on March 29, 2021

Keeping students engaged with the library during the pandemic has been challenging. Over the past year as the building was closed or offered reduced hours, we haven’t been able to serve as the traditional third place where students can visit after school, gather to study, or meet for programs.

Special Libraries Association.

Connecting Members Virtually During a Pandemic

Posted on March 22, 2021

In 2020, the Illinois Community of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) faced a new challenge: how to make members feel engaged and connected to their association and fellow members when in-person events were no longer an option. As president-elect, I was responsible for the bulk of our programming.