News from RAILS & Libraries

Successful libraries seek opportunities to extend library services beyond the physical confines of the library building to engage their service community where patrons naturally and frequently interact outside of the library. This enhances awareness of library services and improves the library’s...

The Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District sits on 14 acres, giving us a unique opportunity to think beyond the traditional “four walls of the library.” We believe a public library should be more than a building filled with books, computers, and meeting spaces. It can be a place where people learn...

The Illinois Cataloging Mentorship Program (iCAMP) is excited to announce the continuation of its nine-month mentorship program, designed to support professional and personal growth for both emerging and experienced catalogers. A Year of Learning, Connection, and Growth Over the course of nine...

Are you looking to connect with other catalogers, ask questions, and share ideas? Bonfire is a monthly online office hour for library catalogers and a supplementary resource of iCAMP. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Each session features an expert cataloger who...

The tenth annual Directors University took place from August 10–13 in Bloomington-Normal. The three-day event helps prepare Illinois public library directors for their new executive roles. Congratulations to the participants! Anna Allison, Oglesby Public Library District Kevin Babb, Wallace Township...

In September of 2025, fourteen libraries* collaborated on an ad featured on the BNSF Metra line. Many of the libraries along the BNSF line are within walking distance of the train stations, and have a shared goal of reaching commuters, with an audience of 25–55-year-old patrons who may find it hard...

RAILS Director of Marketing & Communications Dan Bostrom and Executive Director Monica Harris break down the latest at RAILS: 🎒 a free, virtual learning event for all school library staff ✍️ more opportunities for ISBE-approved credit ⚖️ new Illinois laws affecting libraries 🗓️ what's scheduled for...

Please join RAILS in welcoming a new member library: Elgin Mental Health Center is located in Elgin, IL. It is a state hospital entity that is part of the Illinois Department of Human Services. The library serves the patients as well as the staff. This new member will now have access to RAILS’...

College can be a difficult time in a young person’s life. It may be the first time that a student has been away from home for a long period of time. College may be a place where a student does not know anyone and has to navigate building new relationships on their own. It is a time when the student...

At its August 10, 2026 meeting, the Lake Villa District Library Board of Trustees voted to end notary services, effective January 1, 2027. Changes to notary law, increased demand and staffing constraints cited as the main reasons behind the decision. “We saw a sharp increase in demand for notary...

As the 2026-2027 school year begins, we want to remind school library staff about some upcoming school library events, activities, & opportunities: Advocacy SLATE Data Dashboard – an online tool to view information about Illinois school libraries. The information and resources available are...

On Wednesday, September 9, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is attached. Presentations include: E-Rate & Libraries – Joseph Wender, Schools, Hospitals, & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Executive Director New Illinois...

The season 3 premiere of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Illinois's Governor Pritzker just signed a school cell phone ban into law—what does that mean for school libraries? Janette and Leah welcome Texas library media specialist Nina Canales (aka...

RAILS has updated two key cataloging guidance documents developed by the Cataloging Working Group in collaboration with cataloging staff from all Local Library System Automated Programs (LLSAPs). As part of the revision process, the RAILS Cataloging Services staff reviewed the existing documents...

At Illinois College’s Schewe Library, we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive space where students feel at home, finding both academic support and community. With the generous support of the RAILS 2025 My Library Is... Grant, we launched a project to enhance our library’s role as a space for...