News from RAILS & Libraries

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Chicago Academy of Sciences Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago! For over 165 years, the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has served...

During the pandemic, my workspace in a public high school transformed from a traditional book-centric library to an innovative makerspace community called The Hub. Removing our freestanding bookshelves made all the difference in lightening up this student space. I alternately enjoyed and disliked...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archives in Davenport, IA! The Bix Beiderbecke Museum & World Archives is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Davenport, Iowa, the hometown of jazz...

In March 2022, students at Northern Illinois University created the world’s largest paper snowflake. It is forty-four feet six inches across and has been certified by the Guinness Book of World Records! The NIU Libraries got in on the excitement with a special event in its honor. The library...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum in Chicago! Beginning at river level and spiraling five stories up, the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum...

RAILS strongly supports the Association of Illinois School Library Educator's (AISLE) efforts to encourage school districts to offer school library programs staffed by licensed school librarians. According to AISLE research, more than 25 research studies have proven conclusively that licensed school...

Dan Bostrom sits down with Executive Director Monica Harris to discuss the latest Member Update, her upcoming meet and greet tour, what to expect from our new website, and some important deadlines coming up for RAILS members. For more information on the topics discussed: February 28, 2023 Member...

The Jerseyville Public Library has been presenting Preschool Storytime for as long back as most staff members can remember. It is a program presented once a month where children ages 2-6 can gather at the library and have a story read to them, sing and dance along to some fun tunes and use their...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, American Writers Museum in Chicago! The American Writers Museum is an interactive playground for literature lovers who want to learn more about their favorite writers and...

When the new RAILS website rolls out next month, all listings on the RAILS Jobs Board will need to include the position's pay rate or range in U.S. dollars. There are several reasons to put wage information in posted jobs: It promotes equity in recruiting and hiring. It creates more realistic pay...

We are pleased to announce that the $40 exhibit guest passes are now available through RAILS' exhibitor portal for ALA Annual! RAILS member libraries can purchase exhibit-only passes for library staff members to visit the exhibit hall at the ALA Annual Conference, June 22–27, in Chicago. There is no...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, Chicago Maritime Museum in Chicago! Chicago's history and development stem from its axis at the foot of the Great Lakes. This strategic location gave the city access to the St...

The application period for the My Library Is... Grants for School Libraries is open and runs through Thursday, March 2. In 2022, RAILS awarded $78,232.80 in My Library Is... Grants to 20 school libraries. These grants help recipients focus on projects that tell the library story and increase...

Staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) are welcome at the RAILS Member Update on Tuesday, February 28 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom. Monica Harris, RAILS' new Executive Director, will talk about her plans for RAILS moving forward...

In this episode of RAILS Minute, Dan Bostrom welcomes Monica Harris as the new Executive Director of RAILS. Dan and Monica discuss what's next for RAILS in this new chapter, including opportunities for member library workers to meet Monica and share ideas. Have a question or topic suggestion...