News from RAILS & Libraries

Dan and Monica provide updates about the dismantling of IMLS, sharing new resources, events, and talking points that members should know about. They also discuss the new 2024 RAILS Annual Report and highlight the continuing education opportunities available to library workers in Illinois. Relevant...

Wednesday, April 30th at 10 am via Zoom Moving to a new country, becoming acclimated to a new environment, and applying for citizenship is a daunting hurdle for many immigrants. People often turn to their local library for help, but frequently their library doesn't offer much beyond reading material...

Every year, RAILS holds elections for its 15-seat board of directors. The members of the RAILS Board work together to shape the future of the library system and the services we provide to our members. To help members navigate the voting process this year, we've created a comprehensive RAILS Board...

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is undergoing significant changes that may impact the Illinois library community. We know many of you are following the latest developments, but for those who are uncertain about what is happening, we want to help you make sense of the changes...

The Gail Borden Public Library is now hosting its latest exhibit, “ Glitz, Glamour, Gorgeous: A Tribute to Hollywood’s Great Movie Costumes,” showcasing costumes from Hollywood's golden age. Explore the magic of cinema with 33 outfits worn by stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Ginger Rogers and Julie...

Any staff from RAILS member libraries are invited to the RAILS Online Event: Advocating for Libraries on Wednesday, April 23, at 1 p.m. It will feature a discussion on advocating for libraries regarding President Trump’s executive order defunding IMLS. This discussion includes examples of what...

https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/federal-agencies-c…

Join us for a special screening & discussion of Free for All. This documentary shares how public libraries shaped the country and continue to be a sanctuary for Americans everywhere. Free for All tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women...

RAILS is proud to present our accomplishments over the past year with the release of the 2024 RAILS Annual Report. This report provides valuable data and visuals that bring our achievements to life, highlighting our impact on Illinois libraries through our wide range of programs and services. “We...

Episode seven of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Every student deserves to be seen in their school library. In "E is for Everyone," Janette and Leah are joined by "A" (local school librarian) and Jessica Silva (RAILS Member Engagement Specialist) to...

Libraries are all about supporting lifelong learning. RAILS provides free continuing education (CE) through webinars, in-person training, and virtual RAILS Learning Labs. The best part? Any staff or trustees working in a RAILS member library can participate. Our CE team monitors what conversations...

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, is suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In March, the...

The Putnam County Public Library District will host a film screening, in partnership with Independent Lens and WTVP, of “Free for All: The Public Library,” on Thursday, April 10th, at 5:00 p.m. in celebration of National Library Week. The film tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a...

New Executive Director Takes Over at the Des Plaines Public Library

Dear Library Colleagues: On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order mandating the elimination of seven agencies, including one that funds libraries around the country – the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The executive order, which we believe violates the law, will have...