News from RAILS & Libraries

RAILS is excited to announce that we will begin accepting applications for the 2027 RAILS Libraries Connect Grant, formerly known as the My Library Is... Grant, on November 1. Despite the name change, the grant details, spirit, and requirements have not changed. These grants are designed to help...

As part of our strategic planning process, RAILS is looking for your feedback. Below, you will find a draft of our new strategic plan objectives. As a reminder, this is a strategic plan refresh. We are keeping the same strategic goals as the existing strategic plan, but we would like to update the...

Episode 3.3 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Artificial intelligence can’t replace teachers, but it is changing how students learn. Janette and Leah are joined by Emily Flach (Learning Technology Center) to discuss AI’s growing presence in schools...

Join fellow library workers as we eat, drink, and compete at the Firehouse Grill's weekly trivia night. This is a casual social event for all library workers who want to expand their network through camaraderie and fun. Pizza will be provided by LACONI Recharge and attendees may purchase drinks at...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sep 21, 2026 Rockford Public Library Partners with Barack Obama Presidential Library for "America at 250" Workshop Series Three-part series will teach residents how to access federal and local government records Rockford, IL. — From the desk of the president to the minutes of a...

Discover, explore, connect, and save! RAILS is excited to announce a new event for library staff who want to learn more about resources, products, and services available through RAILS Deals & Discounts. The RAILS Virtual Vendor Fair is a full-day online event that allows attendees to explore...

Carthage Public Library District is holding a Grand Opening celebration for our new library building at 250 N 1st Street in Carthage, IL. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 on Sunday, October 18 and continue with an open house until 4:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Registration for ARRTcon 2026 is open! We are excited to welcome New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harrison as our featured speaker. ARRTcon brings together library staff and readers’ advisory practitioners for a full day of practical sessions designed to deepen your skills, spark new ideas...

The library and smaller employer candidate for IMRF Executive Trustee. Ballots are due December 10.

Join ATLAS at Orland Park Public Library from 10 am-12 pm on Tuesday, October 20, for an engaging panel discussion exploring practical ways libraries can create more inclusive spaces, services, and experiences. What does an accessible library look like? This panel will explore accessibility in...

Glenbrook South High School Library was thrilled to receive the RAILS My Library Is… grant this past school year. Our focus was and is on supporting our growing multilingual populations. For many years, our school library has had only a small Spanish-language collection alongside our English...

The 2026-27 SLATE Census starts today! Visit the updated census site for more information on the data you’ll need for this year’s form. The census is open through February 28th, giving library staff five full months to participate when it’s most convenient. Every Illinois school is invited to...

This fall, RAILS is inviting you to take advantage of one of our many events, programs, and services! With RAILS, your library can save money, gain new skills, and connect with other libraries. Learn more: News & Events RAILS Announces New Branding for Find More Illinois Check out the new Find More...

RAILS and Cook County are inviting library workers to help shape, strengthen, and sustain the Cook County Library Digital Navigator Network (CCDNN). Guiding Team members will bring their experience and community knowledge to decisions about training, resources, communications, and other network...

“The Streator Public Library provides material and information to help all community residents fulfill their personal and educational needs.” - S treator Public Library Mission Statement It has been many decades since the Streator Public Library Trustees decided what purpose we have, but those words...