News from Libraries

  • Waukegan Public Library Opens Sensory Room

    Waukegan Public Library hosted an Austism Awareness fundraiser in April 2023 to support the creation of an accessibility collection and sensory kits. The event, supported by the Library's Foundation and parent advocates, allowed parents and kids to connect with support services while enjoying a meal...

  • Winnetka Talk Digital Archive Launches at Winnetka-Northfield Library

    The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District and the Winnetka Historical Society are thrilled to announce the launch of our Winnetka Talk Digital Archive. The archive contains nearly every Winnetka Talk published since 1913 and is available online at wnpld.org to anyone with a Winnetka-Northfield...

  • NILRC Professional Development Webinar: Springsharing is Caring!

    The NILRC Professional Development Committee is hosting a special webinar entitled “Springsharing is Caring!” on November 30 from 10-11:30 am. The first 45 minutes of this webinar will be discussion on how NILRC Member libraries use Springshare products (LibCal, LibAnswers, LibGuides, etc.). Bring...

  • Archived Videos from Illinois School Library Workers Symposium Now Available

    The archived videos from the Illinois School Library Workers Symposium (ISLWS) are now available from the RAILS YouTube channel. The videos were originally recorded at the first-ever ISLWS event on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. This event is designed for individuals who are working in school...

  • Oak Park recognized for ‘outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people’

    In October, OPALGA+ (Oak Park Area Gay and Lesbian Association) recognized the Oak Park Public Library for “outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park and the surrounding area.” The library’s Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon accepted the OPALGA+ Mel Wilson Founders Award at...

  • Space is running out for ARRTCon!

    Just a handful of seats left for the return of ARRTCon! Join the Adult Reading Round Table on Thursday, November 30th for the return of ARRTCon, an all-day readers' advisory conference for library workers. The schedule will include keynotes by Becky Spratford from RA for All and author Shelby Van...

  • Librarians' networking

    Join fellow school librarians and clerks as we share ideas, successes, and struggles faced in our libraries! Some of us are part of a team while others are solo, but we all share a passion for connecting our students with resources! COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER: https://ltcillinois...

  • 2024 My Library Is… Grants Now Open for Application

    RAILS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 My Library Is… Grants. These grants are designed to help libraries tell their story. In 2024, these grants are now open to all types of libraries, including – academic, public, school, and special libraries. About the Grant: As...

  • Lit Fest

    Matteson Public Library's LIT FEST 2023 Connect with local authors, attend panels, learn about new titles, purchase signed copies of books, and much more at Matteson Public Library's Local Author Fair 2-day event! Applications for authors are no longer being accepted. Check our website for schedule...

  • My Library is... LiteZilla Lights Up Lisle Library District

    From the My Library Is ... Blog: In 2022, while undergoing a major two-phase renovation, the Lisle Library District (LLD) fundraised for a special feature in the Youth Services department: a LiteZilla. The wall installation is akin to a giant Lite Brite with larger pegs that are safe for all ages...

  • New Networking Group for Senior/Older Adult Programming

    Librarians and library staff who run programming for seniors/older adults in public libraries, please join us for the inaugural meeting of the Programming for Seniors in Public Libraries networking group! Programming for older adults can be challenging as they are a varied and often overlooked group...