Projects & Partnerships

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Projects & Partnerships

NSLS special projects seek to help its member libraries provide new services and to promote libraries and library service to the general public. NSLS actively seeks to partner with organizations that share these goals. Some past projects and partnerships are highlighted in our archive.

Digital Past

Member libraries digitize collections of historical documents of interest accessible to Illinois citizens and beyond. NSLS trains participating libraries on a one-on-one basis. Expand the use of your library's online digitized records through customized online exhibits featuring images of the past.

MyMediaMall

MyMediaMall is a downloadable media consortium, powered by Overdrive. The opening collection has over 700 titles that include audio and e-books. Patrons may borrow materials from the comfort of their own home and have no worries concerning late fees.

Nextbook

NSLS and the Chicago Public Library are involved in a partnership through Nextbook, a national project promoting Jewish literature and culture. Nextbook seeks to be a gateway to Jewish culture, history and ideas for Jews and non-Jews alike. The goal of the project is to achieve an understanding of Judaism within a pluralistic American culture. The Nextbook site has updated daily Jewish cultural news digest, reading lists, and book reviews. Nextbook is a project of Keren Keshet - the Rainbow Foundation, a New York-based philanthropic foundation.

WebJunction Illinois

Focuses on supporting Illinois library staff through online resources, community, and continuing education.

Ask?Away

Virtual reference service funded by the Illinois State Library and staffed and supported by libraries in Illinois and Wisconsin. View project overview for brief description of the project and to learn how your library may participate. View FAQ to find commonly asked questions and answers about the project.

Know Kidding

Thanks to an LSTA grant, NSLS and a team of 40 youth services librarians created a handbook for staff in public libraries. Copies have been distributed statewide; however, you may download the entire handbook or selected sections.

NetLibrary

NetLibrary's Recorded Books eAudiobooks collection makes high quality titles available online through NetLibrary member libraries. Developed in partnership with Recorded Books, the world's largest independent publisher and distributor of unabridged audiobooks, they offer audiobooks for all ages in English and Spanish. Titles are always available, so there are no waiting lists. Patrons may borrow materials from home and have no worries concerning late fees.

Big Ticket Reading Project (Daily Herald/Paddock Publications)
During the summer season, the Daily Herald provides incentive prizes for children participating in their local public library summer reading programs. These incentives include free food items as well as free admission to many local museums and recreational facilities. For more information contact Sharon Ball.

Read to Succeed (Chicago Wolves)
Annually, the Chicago Wolves invite NSLS public libraries to participate in the "Read to Succeed" reading club for children. All materials, including prices and giveaways, are provided by the Chicago Wolves and their sponsors. Participating libraries have the opportunity to host Chicago Wolves hockey stars for a special reading event. For more information contact Sharon Ball.

Words & Music (Ravinia Music Festival)
Since 1995, Ravinia Music Festival has provided NSLS public library members with free lawn passes for their cardholders. Ravinia also donates a limited number of free speaker presentations to libraries each summer season. For more information contact Judy Hoffman.