News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

Looking for the best deals, discounts, and new resources for your library? The new RAILS Deals & Discounts email lists help you save money, stay informed, and connect with colleagues across the RAILS membership. Whether you manage electronic resources, purchase materials, supplies, or furniture, or...

Season two, episode six of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. In this powerful episode, school librarian, author, and activist Amanda Jones joins the show to share her story in a candid conversation about censorship, courage, and hope for the future of...

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...

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...

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris reflects on the progress we've made together this year. We’re honored to support you, and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2026. Happy holidays!

The RAILS Board of Directors voted on Friday, November 21, to adopt Free Speech Needs Free Libraries: A Joint Statement of CARLI, Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI. This statement was initially developed and approved by CARLI, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI (Partnership for Academic Library...