News from RAILS & Libraries

From the My Library Is ... Blog: Like many libraries, the Paul V. Galvin Library at the Illinois Institute of Technology receives more donated books than can possibly be added to the collection. Many of the donated titles are fiction and while we do have a leisure reading collection, only a small...

The new networking group senior programming meets for the first time on Friday, December 1 on Zoom from 10:00-11:00 am. 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 challenging as they are a...

Waukegan Public Library hosted an Austism Awareness fundraiser in April 2023 to support the creation of an accessibility collection and sensory kits. The event, supported by the Library's Foundation and parent advocates, allowed parents and kids to connect with support services while enjoying a meal...

The Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District and the Winnetka Historical Society are thrilled to announce the launch of our Winnetka Talk Digital Archive. The archive contains nearly every Winnetka Talk published since 1913 and is available online at wnpld.org to anyone with a Winnetka-Northfield...

The NILRC Professional Development Committee is hosting a special webinar entitled “Springsharing is Caring!” on November 30 from 10-11:30 am. The first 45 minutes of this webinar will be discussion on how NILRC Member libraries use Springshare products (LibCal, LibAnswers, LibGuides, etc.). Bring...

As part of our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), RAILS provides opportunities for members to learn and apply concepts that build equitable library organizations. We are pleased to announce the latest offering to our membership, Social Justice in Public Libraries from...

The archived videos from the Illinois School Library Workers Symposium (ISLWS) are now available from the RAILS YouTube channel. The videos were originally recorded at the first-ever ISLWS event on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. This event is designed for individuals who are working in school...

In October, OPALGA+ (Oak Park Area Gay and Lesbian Association) recognized the Oak Park Public Library for “outstanding efforts on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Oak Park and the surrounding area.” The library’s Executive Director Joslyn Bowling Dixon accepted the OPALGA+ Mel Wilson Founders Award at...

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris introduces our new Director of Marketing and Communications, Dan Bostrom! Together, they discuss what's on the agenda for the upcoming RAILS Member Update, a new EDI resource for members called Freedom Lifted, and the My Library Is... grant opportunity that is...

We welcome staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) to join the RAILS Member Update on Wednesday, November 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Topics will include new EDI member resource information, broadband updates in Illinois, the My Library Is...

Just a handful of seats left for the return of ARRTCon! Join the Adult Reading Round Table on Thursday, November 30th for the return of ARRTCon, an all-day readers' advisory conference for library workers. The schedule will include keynotes by Becky Spratford from RA for All and author Shelby Van...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Lyric Opera in Chicago! At Lyric, you’ll be amazed, replenished, and inspired with must-see, must-hear live experiences. Through the timeless power of voice, acting...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago! The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a Chicago community institution and the first...

Join fellow school librarians and clerks as we share ideas, successes, and struggles faced in our libraries! Some of us are part of a team while others are solo, but we all share a passion for connecting our students with resources! COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER: https://ltcillinois...

RAILS promotes Dan Bostrom to Director of Marketing and Communications, effective October 31. Bostrom fills the space vacated by Mary Witt, who retired in July 2023. Bostrom first joined RAILS in 2018 as the Member Engagement Manager in the communications department. Bostrom has built a strong...