News from RAILS & Libraries

At the October 2026 RAILS Board of Directors meeting, the board approved the following statement regarding school libraries and school librarians: The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) Board of Directors affirms that strong, sustainable school library programs, led by licensed school...

On Thursday, November 12, 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: Illinois Library Legislative Update – Paul Mills, Fountaindale Public Library District Executive Director Grants for Small...

The Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology was the happy recipient of the RAILS My Library Is... Grant, which allowed us to purchase items to better support our students. The library is a two-story building with an open floor plan and no individual study rooms. Most of the...

Dan and Monica break down the latest at RAILS: 📋 help paint a clear picture of Illinois school libraries 📣 explore a new step-by-step toolkit for school library advocacy 💰 discover savings with 20+ RAILS vendor partners 💻 influence the future of digital equity in Cook County ✍️ share anonymous...

Kids know what they like. When you work with kids every day, it becomes really evident that they are discerning and selective and very vocal about what they don’t want. (Every children’s librarian has heard the word or scream “NO” in their department a million times!) So when you find a “bookish”...

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...