News from RAILS & Libraries

Hello information professionals, and students! Registration is now open for the 24th annual Information Literacy Summit on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Discounted early bird rates are available through April 3rd. The Summit, co-hosted by the College of DuPage...

There's still time to participate in the Libraries as Digital Navigators: Library Listening & Learning Circles! We want to learn from library staff about the real challenges, barriers, and assets in your communities so we can best support your work helping residents access devices, reliable internet...

Due to sustainability, efficiency, and safety reasons, the Consortium for Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) are announcing a change to the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS)...

Episode 2.8 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. When students walk into school carrying the weight of language barriers, uncertainty, and fear on their shoulders, the right welcome can mean everything. Janette and Leah are joined by Veronica Ramos (...

The RAILS Member Event scheduled for Monday, March 9, at Ela Area Public Library to visit The Forge makerspace has been postponed. We look forward to rescheduling the tour of the space and learning about the library’s creative community workspace for all ages. Watch the RAILS E-News and the RAILS...

We are pleased to announce that the $40 exhibit-only guest passes are now available through RAILS' exhibitor portal for the ALA Annual Conference, June 25–29, in Chicago. RAILS member libraries can purchase exhibit passes for library staff members to visit the exhibit hall at the conference. See...

Library trustees and administrators are invited to attend the LACONI Trustee Banquet, which will be held at the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park on April 17th at 6 PM. This event brings together community leaders, donors, and supporters to celebrate our organization's achievements and to further...

When: Friday, Apr 03, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Five Points Washington, 360 N Wilmor Rd, Washington, IL 61571 (Room D) Alissa Janchenko is doing a workshop on how improv can improve customer service skills. She is a 20-plus year veteran of library service and coach of Quarried Away Improv...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Winnetka Park District! Explore More Illinois users can receive swimming beach passes, valid for daily admission to one of Winnetka Park District's swimming beaches...

You're invited to a new series of events called Libraries as Digital Navigators: Library Listening & Learning Circles! These collaborative and welcoming events are a key part of our Human-Centered Design process to ensure the Cook County Digital Navigator Network is built with libraries. They will...

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris and Associate Executive Director Joe Filapek break down the latest in this month’s RAILS Minute: 💬 How you can help shape the future of the Cook County Digital Navigator Network 📱 Our newest toolkit to help you advocate for fair e-book pricing ⚖️ Where we’re at...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Northbrook Symphony! The Northbrook Symphony is the professional orchestra of Chicago's North Shore. Every season, Music Director Mina Zikri presents five concerts...

Heather-Marie Montilla has been named the new Director of the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL). The decision was approved by the Board of Library Trustees during a special meeting on Thursday, February 12, which concluded the nation-wide search following Julie Milavec’s retirement announcement...

From the My Library Is... Blog: 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. So, what does an effective library logo...

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...