News from RAILS & Libraries

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn! Since opening our doors in 1986, the McAninch Arts Center has been focused on enriching our community with...

Please join RAILS in welcoming a new member library, Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park. Horizon Science Academy - McKinley Park is a K-12 charter school located in the McKinley Park neighborhood of Chicago. The school has a total enrollment of 866 students. The school will now have access to...

The LaSalle Public Library will virtually host internationally recognized “cookie activist” Jasmine Cho on Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. central time. In the program, Ms. Cho will share her unique personal narrative within a broader historical lens covering many lesser-known stories of Asian...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Volo Museum in Volo! Volo Museum is a World Famous, family-owned, all-day tourist destination in Volo, IL. We are known across the world for our all-indoor showroom...

In compliance with Illinois statutes and administrative rules [23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030.200], annual certification is required of ALL library system members to retain system membership and eligibility for grants administered by the Illinois State Library. Examples of Illinois State Library grants...

Kate Niehoff has been selected as the RAILS Director of Consulting and Continuing Education, effective January 8, 2024. Niehoff fills the space previously vacated by Joe Filapek, who was promoted to RAILS Associate Executive Director in July 2023. Niehoff has worked in public libraries for 18 years...

The 5th Annual Restorative Practices Conference, January 19-20, at the Oak Park Public Library, will delve into the transformative power of restorative practices in building compassionate and inclusive communities. All are welcome to join us for shared learning, collaboration, and personal growth...

It's the final episode of 2023! Dan and Monica talk about all of the upcoming deadlines that members need to keep in mind during the holiday season, including the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, submitting comments for the draft Illinois State Digital Equity Plan, and making sure you're in...

Niles-Maine District Library Trustees have hired Valerie Marshall to serve as the Library's new Executive Director. Valerie Marshall will fill the vacancy left by former Executive Director Cyndi Rademacher who retired this past August. The Library expects Marshall to begin on January 8th.

RAILS and Western Illinois University are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Western Illinois Digital Access Mini-Grant Program. These grants are made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband. Libraries can apply...

RAILS and Western Illinois University are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Western Illinois Chromebook Lending Grants. These grants are made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband. About the Grant: This grant is...

Small but mighty is the inspiration behind the newest art installation at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML). On display throughout December, the library's first-time Tiny Art Show features more than 170 canvases each measuring 4"x 4" in size. Best of all, each mini masterpiece was...

Palatine Public Library District Board of Library Trustees announced that Palatine Library Executive Director Jeannie Dilger has given notice that she is retiring from libraries on July 7, 2024. Dilger has worked in libraries for 38 years, including the last six years as Executive Director at...

Gail Borden Public Library District is kicking off its 150th anniversary in fine style with holiday lights, a reception, programs, exhibits and more. Thanks to the Elgin Courier News and the Chicago Tribune for the coverage and for allowing the library to carry this whole article on Gail Borden's...

Due to a resignation from the RAILS Board, we have an opening for an at-large seat for a term ending on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Any individual representing a RAILS academic, public, school, or specialized library is eligible to self-nominate for this seat by Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 5 p.m...