News & Announcements from RAILS

Dear Library Colleagues, I’m writing to share some important news about proposed legislation that our office is spearheading designed specifically to improve security at libraries and enhance safety for librarians across Illinois. House Bill 2747 and Senate Bill 1550, which were introduced in the...

Dan and Monica provide updates about the dismantling of IMLS, sharing new resources, events, and talking points that members should know about. They also discuss the new 2024 RAILS Annual Report and highlight the continuing education opportunities available to library workers in Illinois. Relevant...

Every year, RAILS holds elections for its 15-seat board of directors. The members of the RAILS Board work together to shape the future of the library system and the services we provide to our members. To help members navigate the voting process this year, we've created a comprehensive RAILS Board...

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is undergoing significant changes that may impact the Illinois library community. We know many of you are following the latest developments, but for those who are uncertain about what is happening, we want to help you make sense of the changes...

Any staff from RAILS member libraries are invited to the RAILS Online Event: Advocating for Libraries on Wednesday, April 23, at 1 p.m. It will feature a discussion on advocating for libraries regarding President Trump’s executive order defunding IMLS. This discussion includes examples of what...

RAILS is proud to present our accomplishments over the past year with the release of the 2024 RAILS Annual Report. This report provides valuable data and visuals that bring our achievements to life, highlighting our impact on Illinois libraries through our wide range of programs and services. “We...

Episode seven of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Every student deserves to be seen in their school library. In "E is for Everyone," Janette and Leah are joined by "A" (local school librarian) and Jessica Silva (RAILS Member Engagement Specialist) to...

Libraries are all about supporting lifelong learning. RAILS provides free continuing education (CE) through webinars, in-person training, and virtual RAILS Learning Labs. The best part? Any staff or trustees working in a RAILS member library can participate. Our CE team monitors what conversations...

Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, is suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In March, the...

Dear Library Colleagues: On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order mandating the elimination of seven agencies, including one that funds libraries around the country – the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The executive order, which we believe violates the law, will have...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden in Geneva! The Fabyan Villa Museum tells the story of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan in their 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright re-designed home...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Chicago Tempest Women’s Pro Rugby in Evanston! The Chicago Tempest are one of the original six team in the first professional women's rugby league, Women's Elite Rugby...

The Illinois North Central Economic Region of the Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption + Digital Equity (READY) initiative, led by Illinois State University, is excited to offer grants to public libraries to support digital equity initiatives that align with the state’s Digital Equity Plan...

President Trump recently issued an Executive Order reducing staff in federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for libraries. IMLS provides essential support to libraries across the U.S., and national organizations like the...

Dan and Monica address the news about President Trump's executive order affecting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). At the state level, Monica covers four pieces of library-related legislation to keep an eye on. In RAILS news, they talk about the six open seats on the RAILS Board...