News from RAILS & Libraries

We sat down with some of our current board members and asked them to reflect on their board experience. Watch the 2.5-minute video to learn why they ran, what they’ve gotten out of it, and who should apply to join. Please share the video with coworkers, trustees, and colleagues who would make a...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Historic Auto Attractions in Roscoe! Experience all the history and artifacts that Historic Auto Attractions has to offer. The museum is so much more than cars. With...

RAILS and Western Illinois University (WIU) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Western Illinois Digital Access Mini-Grants and Chromebook Lending Grants. These grants were made possible by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Broadband. The...

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 five volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. Two at-large seats (to be...

This month, Dan and Monica highlight the successful launch of the School Library Advocacy through Education (SLATE) data dashboard and emphasize the value of the Freedom Lifted EDI course that is available to RAILS members. Plus, Monica breaks down all you need to know about library-related...

A six-minute, step-by-step video tutorial on how to create an L2 account is now available on the RAILS YouTube channel. All Illinois library employees and board members are encouraged to create an account on the Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2) website . L2 has a statewide directory of...

On Friday, April 12, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., RAILS and Western Illinois University are excited to host a free, one-day event on broadband and libraries. This event will feature speakers, networking, and a chance to find out more about what broadband opportunities lie ahead for libraries. Western...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Lindop SD 92 is a public school district located in Broadview, Illinois. There is one school in the district, an elementary school serving K-8. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has an enrollment of 342 students...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Young People’s Theatre in Chicago! In residence at Lincoln Park’s historic Greenhouse Theater Center, and led by experienced children’s theatre director, Randy White...

The Illinois Secretary of State has released a request for proposal for the e-resource package that will be available without charge to all Illinois communities. The RFP is available for viewing on the Illinois State Library E-Resource Program Pulse page from the RAILS website. The RAILS...

Please join RAILS in welcoming two new member libraries: Newark CCSD 66 is a public school district located in Newark, Illinois. The district has two schools, an elementary school serving K-4 and a junior high school serving 5-8. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has...

Starting Monday, February 19, the RAILS Burr Ridge Service Center is re-open to outside groups. The facility was closed due to a project to replace all network cables. The majority of work has been completed and meeting space areas are now open. The closure did not impact phone or email...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Peoria Park District Playhouse Children’s Museum in Peoria! The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be...

As a reminder to all library types, RAILS is offering an exciting resource to help address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in libraries. The Social Justice in Public Libraries program from Freedom Lifted is relevant and applicable to all types of member libraries. This asynchronous course is...

We invite all levels of staff from any type of RAILS library to join the virtual RAILS Member Update on Wednesday, February 14, at 1 p.m. Attached is a full agenda for this event. Topics include libraries serving new Americans/asylum seekers and the launch of the SLATE Project dashboard tool. There...