News from RAILS & Libraries

After nearly 10 years at the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL), Julie Milavec will be retiring as the library’s Director on March 2, 2026. Milavec’s leadership ushered in the 21st century library for Downers Grove, elevating its services to be driven by community involvement, customer service, and...

Episode 2.7 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Plot twist: reading culture isn’t built with rewards, levels, or quizzes. Janette and Leah are joined by Pernille Ripp and Dr. Sarah Sansbury to explore reading identity, student choice, and how we can...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Lake Forest Academy is located in Lake Forest, Illinois. They serve 452 students, and about half the students live on campus as Lake Forest is also a boarding school. Lake Forest serves students in grades 9-12. Central School District 51 is...

From the My Library Is... Blog: When a major construction project kicked off behind the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, our staff saw more than just traffic cones and heavy machinery. We recognized an opportunity to live out one of our core values: "All Are Welcome Here." Read the full...

RAILS is pleased to share our newly created Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2) onboarding handout to help libraries acquaint staff with the L2 platform and the benefits of creating an L2 account. Any library type can use this onboarding handout to welcome new employees and trustees, or in...

RAILS is excited to launch a new set of advocacy tools for libraries to build awareness about the challenges of e-book and audiobook pricing. These documents include an advocacy flyer, sample social media graphics, and sample copy that libraries can use to make their communities aware of this...

Please join us on February 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM to learn about IMET, the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund, and its investment solutions for libraries in Illinois. This session will provide an overview of how to protect public funds, both collateral/protection for deposits and safekeeping...

Dan and Monica kick off the new year with the latest library updates: 🤝 Inside our new partnership with the Cook County Board of Commissioners 📱 Where we're at with the eRead Illinois transition to The Palace Project ⚖️ New Illinois library legislation we're keeping an eye on 🎤 The guest speaker...

The Joliet Public Library recently partnered with Joliet resident Dr. Lukas Gacheru to share children’s books with students at Karoroha Comprehensive School in Kinangop, Kenya. The donation helped establish the school’s first-ever library and will benefit students from Kindergarten through Grade 9...

From the My Library Is... Blog: As a multiuse element of branding, logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library...

Waukegan Public Library is proud to now offer an ATM to downtown Waukegan residents, visitors, workers. This strategic plan goal supports increased access and participation in the life of the community. The Library Board of Trustees and staff are thankful for the partnership from Consumers Credit...

Directors University Advanced April 27-30, 2026 Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Grafton, IL Directors University (DU) Advanced applications are now being accepted. DU Advanced is a continuation of Directors University and goes beyond the basics to bring the next level of education and...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Studebaker Theater in Fine Arts! Presented by The Roald Dahl Story Company and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival: Roald Dahl’s The Enormous...

From the My Library Is... Blog: RAILS delivery is arguably one of the most crucial services provided to member libraries and one of the most recognizable parts of RAILS' services. According to our RAILS: Numbers that Count data, “In 2024, our 46-delivery staff produced a 2813% return on investment...

On Wednesday, February 11, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is attached. Dan Montgomery, Executive Director of the American Library Association, will present on the future of ALA. We anticipate many questions for Dan, so...