News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

RAILS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 My Library Is… Grants. These grants are designed to help libraries tell their story. In 2024, these grants are now open to all types of libraries, including – academic, public, school, and special libraries. About the Grant: As...

Matteson Public Library's LIT FEST 2023 Connect with local authors, attend panels, learn about new titles, purchase signed copies of books, and much more at Matteson Public Library's Local Author Fair 2-day event! Applications for authors are no longer being accepted. Check our website for schedule...

The RAILS Music Librarianship Networking Group will be hosting its first group tour. All are welcome. Where: Northbrook Public Library 1201 Cedar Ln, Northbrook, IL 60062 When: Friday, November 10, 10:30 a.m. Why: Inspiration, Information Sharing Thank you to Bill Pekara and Madison Vienna for...

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...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: 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...

Librarians and library staff who run programming for seniors/older adults in public libraries, please join us for the inaugural meeting of the Programming for Seniors in Public Libraries networking group! Programming for older adults can be challenging as they are a varied and often overlooked group...

This (newish) group meets quarterly in February, May, August and November and is open to managers, department heads and supervisors of adult services in libraries of all sizes. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 8 at 9:30am at La Grange Public Library. Register on the L2 calendar: https...

The Ela Area Public Library Board of Trustees have announced the appointment of a new executive director, Erica Christianson. Most recently the deputy director of EAPL, Christianson took over the reins of day-to-day library operations in September, replacing Lauren Rosenthal, who resigned to pursue...

Two Illinois representatives – Dan Bostrom and Rachel Cole – were elected to the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Board of Directors last week. Bostrom and Cole were two of the four candidates elected to three-year terms. Their terms will begin in January 2024. Rachel Cole is the Curator and Head...

2023 Community Read, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive QUINCY, ILLINOIS – Quincy Public Library is excited to announce the 2023 Community Read in partnership with QUANADA. This initiative hopes to broaden our understanding of the world, our communities, and ourselves through...

The next NILRC Professional Development Webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 31 at 1 pm via Zoom. Our presenter will be Amy Pinc of Triton College, and the title is “Copyright: Fair Use? It Depends…" Want to know more about fair use in copyright? This webinar will have a brief introduction to...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new members, Summit School District 104 and Taft School District 90. Summit School District 104 is a school district in Summit, Illinois. There are five schools in the district, one Pre-K through fifth grade, three Kindergarten through fifth grade, and one sixth...