News from RAILS & Libraries

RAILS is excited to launch a new set of advocacy tools for libraries to build awareness about the challenges of e-book and audiobook pricing. These documents include an advocacy flyer, sample social media graphics, and sample copy that libraries can use to make their communities aware of this...

Dan and Monica kick off the new year with the latest library updates: 🤝 Inside our new partnership with the Cook County Board of Commissioners 📱 Where we're at with the eRead Illinois transition to The Palace Project ⚖️ New Illinois library legislation we're keeping an eye on 🎤 The guest speaker...

Directors University Advanced April 27-30, 2026 Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center Grafton, IL Directors University (DU) Advanced applications are now being accepted. DU Advanced is a continuation of Directors University and goes beyond the basics to bring the next level of education and...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Studebaker Theater in Fine Arts! Presented by The Roald Dahl Story Company and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival: Roald Dahl’s The Enormous...

On Wednesday, February 11, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is attached. Dan Montgomery, Executive Director of the American Library Association, will present on the future of ALA. We anticipate many questions for Dan, so...

Looking for the best deals, discounts, and new resources for your library? The new RAILS Deals & Discounts email lists help you save money, stay informed, and connect with colleagues across the RAILS membership. Whether you manage electronic resources, purchase materials, supplies, or furniture, or...

Season two, episode six of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. In this powerful episode, school librarian, author, and activist Amanda Jones joins the show to share her story in a candid conversation about censorship, courage, and hope for the future of...

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris reflects on the progress we've made together this year. We’re honored to support you, and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2026. Happy holidays!

The RAILS Board of Directors voted on Friday, November 21, to adopt Free Speech Needs Free Libraries: A Joint Statement of CARLI, Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI. This statement was initially developed and approved by CARLI, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI (Partnership for Academic Library...

The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) has selected two libraries to receive RAILS Cataloging Membership Grants. Congratulations to this year's recipients: Rolling Meadows Library (CCS) - $53,050.00 Wauconda Area Public Library District (CCS) - $53,050.00 This grant aims to support...

The Can't Shelve This crew hosted their first-ever live show at the AISLE Conference in Champaign, IL on October 6, 2025. We asked one simple question: what is one thing your school library has that you wish every school library could have? Together, we created a powerful vision of a school library...

In compliance with Illinois statutes and administrative rules [23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030.200], annual certification is required of ALL library system members to retain system membership and eligibility for grants administered by the Illinois State Library. Examples of Illinois State Library grants...

As the eRead Illinois program migrates to The Palace Project App, we want to make sure our member libraries are ready. Below, you will find a list of webinars to help you navigate and learn about The Palace Project. No matter what library type you serve, there is more than one webinar for you. All...

Season two, episode four of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. It's time for some real talk. Janette and Leah dive into the realities of school librarianship today—unpacking the numbers, staffing shortages, and loopholes schools use to sidestep library...

After a successful L2 Signup Month, RAILS is continuing to spread the word about Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2)—the statewide calendar and membership database for library staff and trustees. We’re excited to share our brand-new L2 Signup poster that highlights: Who can have an L2 account...