News from RAILS & Libraries

JJC LTA Spring 2025 classes start on January 13! Register now! 2 classes offered, both delivered online: LTA 103 - Library Materials - 3 Credit Hours Examines the role of the library technical assistant in the practice of acquiring print and non-print materials from the selection decision through...

Waukegan Public Library is extremely excited and proud to share its original mural that has been one year in the making. After receiving a grant from the Waukegan Arts Council, the library set forth to interview artists and select a piece that would be a welcoming and joyful statement of the library...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: We set out to prove that “My Library Is …” a welcoming place for students who read in all languages. Thanks to a generous RAILS grant, the Library Media Center at Vernon Hills High School has been very successful in making this statement feel true to our multilingual...

Just Published! ITALIAN WOMEN IN CHICAGO--VOL 2---SIAMO ARRIVATE BOOK PRESENTATION AT CASA ITALIA LIBRARY-1621 N. 39th Ave., -STONE PARK SAT. DEC. 14 NOON MEET THE WRITERS, PIZZA, READINGS, CELEBRATION, BUY BOOKS 708-345-5933 Detailed flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BLKChoNoM62aP1mWzX7sdQ1...

Dan and Monica recap what they learned at last week's AISLE Conference in Tinley Park. They also discuss RAILS news, including a public library trustee vacancy on the RAILS Board and the launch of our online store. Lastly, they promote an exciting deep discount for Udemy, available exclusively to...

Episode three of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. In "The Library's Got Rizz," Janette and Leah chat with district librarian Nichole Folkman (Hartsburg-Emden CUSD #21) about the best ways to get your tots, tweens, and teens excited about visiting the...

Tuesday, November 5, a majority of Roselle Public Library District residents voted "yes" to the bond referendum included on the ballot, allowing the District to move forward with plans to construct a new library at 233 East Maple Avenue, Roselle, Illinois. This new facility will provide enhanced...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: RAILS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 My Library Is… Grants. These grants are designed to help libraries tell their story. These grants are open to all types of libraries, including – academic, public, school, and special libraries...

RAILS is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 My Library Is… Grants. These grants are designed to help libraries tell their story and are open to ALL types of RAILS member libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized). About the Grant: As part of the My Library Is...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago! The Harris Theater’s mission is to be Chicago’s home for music and dance, a vision that was set in motion by some of the...

The Rock Island Public Library (RIPL) rolled out the latest phase in its three-year mental health partnership with the City of Rock Island at the Monday, Oct. 28 city council meeting. Mayor Mike Thoms proclaimed Monday, October 28, 2024 as Community Comfort Cart Rollout Day in the City of Rock...

We are excited to announce that RAILS has officially opened an online store! Book-themed merch is having a moment in pop culture, and we’re seizing the opportunity to include libraries in those conversations. Anyone can now purchase a RAILS-designed t-shirt, mug, tote, and more on our Threadless...

Due to a resignation from the RAILS Board, we have an opening for a public library trustee seat for a term ending on Monday, June 30, 2025. Any individual currently serving as a trustee at a RAILS public library is eligible to self-nominate by Wednesday, November 27, at noon. See the RAILS Board...

From the My Library Is ... Blog: The Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL) Summer Reading Club (SRC) is an annual, cornerstone program that promotes literacy, community engagement, and lifelong learning for all ages. The My Library Is… Grant funds afforded us the opportunity to translate all of our...

We invite all levels of staff from any type of RAILS library to join the online RAILS Member Update on Wednesday, November 13 at 3 p.m. Topics include artificial intelligence in libraries, ILA Legislative Meetups, and First Amendment audits. Attached is a full agenda for this event.