News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

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...

The 2026 ILA Annual Conference is October 6-8 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria. There are multiple ways you can connect with RAILS staff and Board Members during the conference, and we look forward to seeing you. Conference attendees can stop by the RAILS booth #401 to chat with RAILS staff and...

The Crystal Lake Public Library launched its Library of Things collection in March 2025, and the community response was immediate and enthusiastic. One of the most popular items in this collection is the TonieBox, an interactive audio player intended for children ages 1-12. Each box has audio...

Dan and Monica break down the latest at RAILS: 📣 your newest tool to advocate for school libraries 🎯 Find More Illinois's new look 💰 how RAILS can help make your learning needs a reality 👋 where to find us at the ILA Conference Relevant Links: SLATE Video SLATE Data Dashboard Find More Illinois...

As part of it's 50th Anniversary celebration, Three Rivers Library is organizing The Next Chapter fundraising gala. The event is being held on Saturday, September 19th, from 6-10 pm at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. In addition to a public silent auction, there will be...

The Black Hawk College Library received the My Library Is… Grant to purchase two charging stations and ten charging blocks, as well as new charging cables for phones and laptops. The goal of this project was to supplement the technological needs of the campus, especially for students from...

Schaumburg Township District Library is strengthening and expanding its leadership structure by promoting Stephanie Driscoll to Deputy Director of Public Services and Amy Prochot to Deputy Director of Operations, both effective September 7. This decision comes as the Library continues to expand its...

Episode 3.2 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. It's not magic, it's research. 🔎✨ Janette and Leah sit down with RA for All's Becky Spratford to explore the art of connecting readers with the right books. From practical tips and resources to building...