News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

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...

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...

Our school has offered Sora by OverDrive as a digital reading option for several years. As the school librarian, I have encouraged its use and taught the basics. However, I felt it was underutilized both in classrooms and at home. In recent years, I have purchased audiobooks to support some students...

Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) is excited to announce the rebranding of the Find More Illinois program. Find More Illinois is an interlibrary loan service that connects users with a growing number of library holdings on one platform. Currently, more than 90 libraries participate in...

Successful libraries seek opportunities to extend library services beyond the physical confines of the library building to engage their service community where patrons naturally and frequently interact outside of the library. This enhances awareness of library services and improves the library’s...

iCAMP Mentor Application Deadline Extended to September 18 The Illinois Cataloging Mentorship Program (iCAMP) is excited to announce the continuation of its nine-month mentorship program, designed to support professional and personal growth for both emerging and experienced catalogers. A Year of...

Are you looking to connect with other catalogers, ask questions, and share ideas? Bonfire is a monthly online office hour for library catalogers and a supplementary resource of iCAMP. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Each session features an expert cataloger who...

The tenth annual Directors University took place from August 10–13 in Bloomington-Normal. The three-day event helps prepare Illinois public library directors for their new executive roles. Congratulations to the participants! Anna Allison, Oglesby Public Library District Kevin Babb, Wallace Township...

In September of 2025, fourteen libraries* collaborated on an ad featured on the BNSF Metra line. Many of the libraries along the BNSF line are within walking distance of the train stations, and have a shared goal of reaching commuters, with an audience of 25–55-year-old patrons who may find it hard...

RAILS Director of Marketing & Communications Dan Bostrom and Executive Director Monica Harris break down the latest at RAILS: 🎒 a free, virtual learning event for all school library staff ✍️ more opportunities for ISBE-approved credit ⚖️ new Illinois laws affecting libraries 🗓️ what's scheduled for...

Please join RAILS in welcoming a new member library: Elgin Mental Health Center is located in Elgin, IL. It is a state hospital entity that is part of the Illinois Department of Human Services. The library serves the patients as well as the staff. This new member will now have access to RAILS’...

College can be a difficult time in a young person’s life. It may be the first time that a student has been away from home for a long period of time. College may be a place where a student does not know anyone and has to navigate building new relationships on their own. It is a time when the student...

As the 2026-2027 school year begins, we want to remind school library staff about some upcoming school library events, activities, & opportunities: Advocacy SLATE Data Dashboard – an online tool to view information about Illinois school libraries. The information and resources available are...