News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

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...

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...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the 40th Chicago International Children’s Film Festival in Chicago! Celebrating 40 years! Since 1984, FACETS' Chicago International Children's Film Festival has set a...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, David Davis Mansion State Historical Site in Bloomington, IL! The David Davis Mansion was the home of David Davis, the friend, mentor, and campaign manager for Abraham...

Monica recaps the successful banned books week program that she participated in with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and encourages members to submit their public comments on Public Act 103-0100 before the October 25 deadline. Dan and Monica also discuss the recent increase in library bomb...

In 2022, while undergoing a major two-phase renovation, the Lisle Library District (LLD) fundraised for a special feature in the Youth Services department: a LiteZilla. The wall installation is akin to a giant Lite Brite with larger pegs that are safe for all ages. The library led the fundraising...

During the 2022-23 school year, library staff were informed that both of the D219 high school libraries (Niles North and Niles West) would be undergoing significant overhauls. We knew that remodels were on the horizon as we hadn’t been updated in a very long time, but the timeline was earlier than...

Visit RAILS at exhibit booth #401 at the ILA conference in Springfield, October 24–26. Exhibit hours are Wednesday, October 25, noon–5 p.m., and Thursday, October 26, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. RAILS is a Leadership Partner sponsor of the conference and is sponsoring the Exhibits Lunch on Wednesday. RAILS staff...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes back attraction, DuPage Symphony Orchestra in Naperville! The DuPage Symphony Orchestra is an award-winning local orchestra located in DuPage County and the 2021 Community Orchestra of the...

With Banned Books Week quickly approaching, Monica talks about the Book Challenges on the Rise program she'll be participating in with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Dan and Monica also share highlights from the recent joint meeting between RAILS and IHLS at the Illinois State Library. Both...

Dan and Monica talk about the qualities RAILS is looking for in their next Director of Consulting and Continuing Education, highlights from Directors University, and the new Unite Against Book Bans in Illinois initiative. Links: Director of Consulting and Continuing Education job posting Directors...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Haitian American Museum of Chicago in Chicago! The mission of the Haitian American Museum of Chicago is “ To promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history and...