News from RAILS & Libraries

(Elgin, Illinois) Ten violins that were played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust are on display at Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove, Elgin, IL. Part of the collection of the Violins of Hope project, the instruments have been lovingly restored. The community is invited to...

Dan Bostrom chats with RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris about the upcoming RAILS Board election, what she's learned on her meet and greet tour, and important legislative issues that our member libraries should know about. Relevant links: RAILS Board nomination form Coal Valley Meet & Greet -...

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...

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

The Batavia Public Library Board invite the RAILS library community to a retirement reception in honor of outgoing Executive Director George H. Scheetz. The open house reception will be held at the Batavia Public Library on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy refreshments and conversation...

Helen Plum Library is announcing the Grand Opening of its new facility at 411 S. Main Street. Grand Opening celebrations will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday, April 23 from 1pm to 4:30pm. A detailed schedule of events can be found on the Library's website. Library...

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...

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

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...

The NILRC Professional Development Committee is sponsoring this informative webinar on April 4 at 10 am. Enhancing Information Literacy Instruction through Algorithmic Awareness Recent research demonstrates that students need ways to connect information literacy skills learned in the classroom with...

The Wood Dale Public Library District is delighted to announce the new Executive Director, Christopher Renkosiak, who will join the library beginning March 20, 2023. Mr. Renkosiak holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Tennessee and an undergraduate degree in...

FOX RIVER GROVE, IL – Fox River Grove Public Library District is excited to announce that it will be hosting regular office hours for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, starting Monday, March 13, 2023. The Fox River Grove Memorial Library, 407 Lincoln Ave, Fox River Grove, IL, will host bimonthly...

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...

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...