News from RAILS & Libraries

We are pleased to announce the five proposals that have each been awarded a RAILS Continuing Education Event Grant: BIPOC Library Workers networking group: “Navigating White Spaces as a BIPOC Library Worker,” presented by Tracie D. Hall College of DuPage Library and DePaul University Library...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Lindop SD 92 is a public school district located in Broadview, Illinois. There is one school in the district, an elementary school serving K-8. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has an enrollment of 342 students...

Palatine Library Board of Trustees is excited to appoint Melissa Gardner as the Executive Director of the Library, effective July 8, 2024. Gardner has worked in libraries for over 20 years and has served as assistant director of the Library for the past nine years. During this time, she was part of...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Young People’s Theatre in Chicago! In residence at Lincoln Park’s historic Greenhouse Theater Center, and led by experienced children’s theatre director, Randy White...

ATLAS is gearing up for our first continuing education event of the calendar year: Friends, Foundations, & Fundraising . Have you ever considered starting a Friends group? How do I start a Library Foundation? Need advice on how to start or increase your Library’s fundraising efforts? Let ATLAS help...

The next Programming for Seniors in Public Libraries group meeting Friday, March 1 from 10-11:00 on Zoom; registration and Zoom link on L2. This group is for librarians and library staff who plan/run programming for seniors/older adults in public libraries. Programming for older adults can be...

Monday, February 26th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Clara Louise Kessler was an author, a teacher, and a librarian who had a lifelong interest in books, poetry, songs, and children. She began her career working with children as a kindergarten teacher first, and then embarked on a 33-year long position as the...

At the Roselle Public Library, teens are finding a space just for them: one where they can come together, create, have fun and socialize for free. The library hosts monthly teen hangouts aimed at giving middle school students a safe place to call their own. And the program is resonating: three dozen...

The Illinois Secretary of State has released a request for proposal for the e-resource package that will be available without charge to all Illinois communities. The RFP is available for viewing on the Illinois State Library E-Resource Program Pulse page from the RAILS website. The RAILS...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Newark CCSD 66 is a public school district located in Newark, Illinois. The district has two schools, an elementary school serving K-4 and a junior high school serving 5-8. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has...

Starting Monday, February 19, the RAILS Burr Ridge Service Center is re-open to outside groups. The facility was closed due to a project to replace all network cables. The majority of work has been completed and meeting space areas are now open. The closure did not impact phone or email...

Through March 4, visitors to the Oak Park Public Library's Idea Box can learn about the legacy of local scientist Dr. Percy Julian and his wife Dr. Anna Julian, including their academic achievements, professional contributions, humanitarian endeavors, and family life. Percy Julian, one of the first...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Peoria Park District Playhouse Children’s Museum in Peoria! The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be...

As a reminder to all library types, RAILS is offering an exciting resource to help address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in libraries. The Social Justice in Public Libraries program from Freedom Lifted is relevant and applicable to all types of member libraries. This asynchronous course is...

After 24 years as head of the much-beloved Homer Township Public Library District, Executive Director Sheree Kozel-La Ha will retire on March 29, 2024. “Serving my home community, where I raised my family, has been my honor and joy. It has truly been a privilege to lead this exceptional Library,”...