Neighbor News
Library Gets $62K Grant for Catalog Upgrade
Vernon Area patrons to see change starting Sept. 3
Vernon Area Public Library District has received a $62,000 grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) to support a major upgrade that will make borrowing faster, easier and more convenient for cardholders.
Starting September 3, the library will connect its catalog to Cooperative Computer Services (CCS), a shared catalog used by 31 public libraries in northeastern Illinois.
The change means more materials, faster access and seamless borrowing with neighboring libraries like Ela Area, Indian Trails, Mount Prospect, Palatine and Northbrook. Vernon Area cardholders will be able to browse and request from more than 1.2 million titles and 5 million items — over 30 times the size of the current Vernon Area catalog — all within a single, streamlined system.
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“Joining CCS marks a significant milestone in our library’s ongoing efforts to serve the community more effectively,” said Library Director Anne Rasmussen. “Through this partnership, we will provide seamless access to a broader network of materials while enhancing the catalog software used by staff and patrons.”
The grant will help cover one-time startup costs associated with moving the Vernon Area catalog and records into the shared CCS system. RAILS offers this grant to help public libraries across the state work together and share resources.
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By joining CCS, Vernon Area joins a growing statewide effort to make borrowing more equitable, efficient and user-friendly. It ensures that local residents will benefit from modern tools, expanded resources and smoother service at home and across neighboring communities.
Cooperative Computer Services members include the public libraries of Algonquin Area, Cary Area, Crystal Lake, Des Plaines, Ela Area, Evanston, Fox River Valley, Fremont, Glencoe, Glenview, Grayslake Area, Highland Park, Huntley Area, Indian Trails, Lake Forest, Lake Villa, Lincolnwood, McHenry, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles-Maine, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Round Lake Area, Warren-Newport, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winnetka-Northfield and Zion-Benton.
