$62K grant supports library catalog upgrade

Vernon Area Public Library District has received a $62,000 grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System to support a major upgrade that will make borrowing faster, easier and more convenient for cardholders.

Starting Sept. 3, the library will join Cooperative Computer Services, a shared catalog used by 31 public libraries in northeastern Illinois.

This change means more materials, faster access and seamless borrowing with nearby 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.

“Joining CCS marks a significant milestone in our library’s ongoing efforts to serve the community more effectively,” Library Director Anne Rasmussen said. “Through our consortium membership, 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.

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.

For more information about Vernon Area Public Library and its services, visit VAPLD.info.

Cooperative Computer Services provides an integrated library system for 31 libraries located in the North and Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

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.

For more information about CCS and its services, visit their ccslib.org.