News & Announcements from Libraries

Lake Villa District Library is one of the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants, awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This prestigious grant marks a significant achievement, as LVDL becomes the first public library ever...

It’s a brand-new day in Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML)! Step inside and come discover new ways to play and learn as AHML begins 2024 with a totally reimagined and refreshed Kids’ World space designed to meet the growing needs of its youngest customers, their families...

The Morton Grove Public Library kicked off the new year with a luminaria display. Over 125 lanterns lit the path and stairs leading to the library’s main entrance. The lanterns were decorated by patrons with their wishes for the new year. Patrons of all ages came to view the display and were treated...

On Tuesday, January 23rd, at 6:00 p.m., central, the LaSalle Public Library will host a free film screening and discussion, in collaboration with the Illinois Humanities’ NEA Big Read and the Oglesby Public Library, that invites the public to learn more about the issues facing families experiencing...

Please join RAILS in welcoming a new member library, Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park. Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park is a K-12 charter school located in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago. The school has a total enrollment of 866 students. The school will now have access to...

The LaSalle Public Library will virtually host internationally recognized “cookie activist” Jasmine Cho on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. central time. In the program, Ms. Cho will share her unique personal narrative within a broader historical lens covering many lesser-known stories of Asian...

The 5th Annual Restorative Practices Conference, January 19-20, at the Oak Park Public Library, will delve into the transformative power of restorative practices in building compassionate and inclusive communities. All are welcome to join us for shared learning, collaboration, and personal growth...

Niles-Maine District Library Trustees have hired Valerie Marshall to serve as the Library's new Executive Director. Valerie Marshall will fill the vacancy left by former Executive Director Cyndi Rademacher who retired this past August. The Library expects Marshall to begin on January 8th.

Small but mighty is the inspiration behind the newest art installation at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML). On display throughout December, the library's first-time Tiny Art Show features more than 170 canvases each measuring 4"x 4" in size. Best of all, each mini masterpiece was...

Palatine Public Library District Board of Library Trustees announced that Palatine Library Executive Director Jeannie Dilger has given notice that she is retiring from libraries on July 7, 2024. Dilger has worked in libraries for 38 years, including the last six years as Executive Director at...

Gail Borden Public Library District is kicking off its 150th anniversary in fine style with holiday lights, a reception, programs, exhibits and more. Thanks to the Elgin Courier News and the Chicago Tribune for the coverage and for allowing the library to carry this whole article on Gail Borden's...

Due to a resignation from the RAILS Board, we have an opening for an at-large seat for a term ending on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Any individual representing a RAILS academic, public, school, or specialized library is eligible to self-nominate for this seat by Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 5 p.m...