News from RAILS & Libraries

Would you like to work with a dedicated team of colleagues representing all types and sizes of libraries to help shape the future of a member-driven, vibrant, and innovative library system? RAILS is seeking nominees for six volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. Two at-large seats (three...

[This article was updated on Wednesday, March 19 with new information.] Late on March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order that continues the reduction in staff for Federal agencies. One of the seven agencies named in the order is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the...

RAILS wanted to create stronger ties between libraries and local cultural attractions while making access to local attractions easy and affordable. The solution? Explore More Illinois. Explore More Illinois is a cultural pass program that provides participating library cardholders with access to...

RAILS gathers data about school libraries for use in education, advocacy, and equity work through its School Library Advocacy Through Education (SLATE) project. In previous years, data was gathered through the Annual Certification process required for libraries belonging to a regional library system...

If you’re interested in learning what Lake County life was like in the early days, visit Lake Villa District Library (LVDL) and explore the Millburn Historic District Exhibit. In partnership with the Historic Millburn Community Association, the exhibit features artifacts and stories that bring the...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes back for their 2025 season attraction, Chicago Stars FC in Bridgeview! Founded in 2007, Chicago Stars FC (formerly known as the Chicago Red Stars) was a key founding member of Women’s...

We are excited to invite you and your staff to an informative and hands-on Book Doctor Event at Morris Area Public Library! This workshop is designed to help your library staff learn essential skills to protect and repair books, ultimately extending their lifespan and reducing the need for costly...

Episode six of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. We talk about certified school librarianship all the time in Library Land, but what does that even mean? In "Let's Get Certified," Janette and Leah break it down for you in this episode with Lauren Ochs...

From the My Library Is... Blog: It was quite an honor for the Virginia Community School District to receive the RAILS My Library Is… Grant! We were able to receive this grant through our teamwork and love for the library. It all started when our 2023-2024 School Librarian, Ms. Stephanie, and our...

Literacy ambassador, librarian, and social media star Mychal Threets is joining the Oak Park Public Library for a conversation about library love on Thursday, April 10, as part of its National Library Week festivities and advocacy efforts. Mychal has risen to fame on social media as mental health...

As the world has gone digital, books have, too. eRead Illinois expands access to e-books and e-audiobooks to Illinois residents through their participating libraries. What started as a grant program in 2013 has grown into an impressive platform where students, teachers, and community members can...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, The 1843 Durant-Peterson House Museum in St. Charles! The Durant-Peterson House Museum is the original homestead of Bryant and Jerusha Durant, built in 1843. Your visit...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Oakton College Performing Arts Center in Des Plaines! The Oakton College Performing Arts Center, originally built in as a lecture hall, was renovated in 2001, adding a...

Do you ever wonder how RAILS is funded and can afford to provide resources to its members? Most of our funding is provided from the Illinois State Library and the Illinois Secretary of State. However, the Illinois State Library receives roughly 10% of their total budget from the Institute of Museum...

In news of a federal grant freeze, Dan and Monica explain how RAILS is funded. They also address the recent legal questions from our members about immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights. Lastly, Monica emphasizes the importance of serving your community and highlights a resource that...