News from RAILS & Libraries

On Wednesday, September 9, 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: E-Rate & Libraries – Joseph Wender, Schools, Hospitals, & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Executive Director New Illinois...

The season 3 premiere of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Illinois's Governor Pritzker just signed a school cell phone ban into law—what does that mean for school libraries? Janette and Leah welcome Texas library media specialist Nina Canales (aka...

RAILS has updated two key cataloging guidance documents developed by the Cataloging Working Group in collaboration with cataloging staff from all Local Library System Automated Programs (LLSAPs). As part of the revision process, the RAILS Cataloging Services staff reviewed the existing documents...

At Illinois College’s Schewe Library, we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive space where students feel at home, finding both academic support and community. With the generous support of the RAILS 2025 My Library Is... Grant, we launched a project to enhance our library’s role as a space for...

How 257 New Diverse Books Helped Students See Themselves in the Library The RAILS My Library Is... Grant helped our junior high add 257 diverse books to our library, but our real goal was larger than just adding new books. We wanted students to walk into the library and find stories that actually...

Joe and Monica break down the latest at RAILS: 🥳 How we’re celebrating our 15th anniversary 🗓️ What services to expect from RAILS this year 🚨 The federal threat to library internet access Relevant Links: The Anatomy of a Public Library eRead Illinois (ALA) E-Rate and Libraries SaveOurERate.com SHLB...

The Joliet Public Library seeks qualified Executive Search Firms to submit proposals for professional executive recruitment services for the position of Executive Director. The Board of Trustees seeks experienced candidates to oversee the operations of a large public institution with a dedicated...

School libraries and media centers are not the same as when I grew up. They are now spaces that spark curiosity, foster innovation, and create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond a traditional library. Thanks to the RAILS My Library Is... grant, our elementary school media center has...

It may seem that each day you turn on the news, or show up to work, there is a new change within education. Whether that be at the federal level, the state level, or even just your local elementary school, the changes can feel overwhelming. Each change requires additional work from everyone involved...

The Board of Trustees of the Huntley Area Public Library voted to hire Natalie Starosta as the Library’s Executive Director during a Special Meeting held July 7th, 2026 for that purpose. The decision comes after a four-month, nationwide search following the departure of the former director earlier...

Antioch Public Library District Vision Legacy The Antioch Public Library District (APLD) is excited to announce the release of its new Vision Legacy video, a timeless promotional piece, inspired by the Library’s vision statement: “Connect. Enrich. Belong.” Created in collaboration with APLD staff...

Geneva Public Library has received two national honors from the American Library Association (ALA), earning recognition for both its innovative fundraising campaign and its community-wide reading initiative. At the 2026 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, Geneva Public Library was named a recipient of...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Ridgeland School District #122 is located in Oak Lawn, IL. The district serves around 2,220 students. There are five schools in the district, four elementary schools and one middle school. St. Mary Nativity School is located in Joliet, IL and...

Planting Seeds Of Leadership: How Great Books Are Growing Natural Leaders At Prairie Crossing Charter School (PCCS) in Grayslake, IL, we believe that children are our best hope to improve the world. But how do you transform that belief into a daily reality for 432 K-8 students? For us, the answer...

Join LACONI POP for a unique, discussion-based learning opportunity for all library programmers. We will kick off with a presentation followed by breakout sessions to discuss the many pitfalls and solutions that come with the territory of library programming and partnerships. A list of topics will...