News & Announcements from RAILS

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's episode: ⚖️ Yes, more library legislation updates 📈 What's different in this year's annual report 💡 Our new online learning platform 📋 A preview of next month's Member Update topics Relevant Links: HB 5236 Digital Library Protection Act HB 3411 HB...

On Wednesday, May 13, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is attached. Kyla Williams Tate, Cook County Director of Digital Equity, will present on digital equity and libraries. Nincy George, RAILS Cataloging Services Manager...

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued an Interim Final Rule, effective April 20, 2026, that extends the compliance deadlines for web accessibility by one year. Under the previous deadlines, a number of public libraries faced a primary compliance deadline of April 2026 (or April 2027 for smaller...

Episode 2.9 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Reading doesn't have to be solitary. It can be a team sport! Janette and Leah are joined by school librarian Lisa Marcum (Plainfield Central High School) to unpack what gamified reading looks like: what...

The RAILS World Language Cataloging Service (WLCS) has processed over 750 books in languages from all over the globe in this financial year alone. In particular, we’ve noticed an influx of non-English children’s books being sent to us in the past few months. As we get closer to the end of our...

RAILS is excited to share last year’s highlights in the 2025 RAILS Annual Report! “This report combines data and storytelling to show how RAILS is making a difference for libraries across Illinois.” said RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris. “Last year's version was a hit with our members, and we...

RAILS is starting the process of creating a new strategic plan, and we would like your input. We're asking staff at RAILS member libraries to participate in an online survey to share your knowledge and understanding of RAILS, the work we do, and how it affects you and your libraries. Any level staff...

RAILS announces the launch of RAILS Academy, a new online learning platform designed to support the professional development of staff at RAILS member libraries. Powered by Niche Academy, RAILS Academy provides free, on-demand access to hundreds of tutorials on topics ranging from the ethics of...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Chicago Master Singers! Let Chicago Master Singers immerse you in extraordinary musical experiences that lift the human spirit! Concerts are held at Glenview...

Dan and Monica break down the latest in this month's episode: ⚖️ Updates on eBook legislation, plus all the other bills you need to know about 📱 An upcoming ILA event to help you engage with legislators 💙 Your chance to help guide RAILS into the future ☑️ A preview of our strategic plan timeline...

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 six volunteer positions on its Board of Directors. One at-large seat (two-year...

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is seeking witness slip support for fair e-book pricing. HB 5236, also known as the Digital Library Protection Act, establishes fair contract term protections for libraries purchasing digital content. Right now, publishers charge libraries nearly four times the...

The RAILS Cataloging Membership Grant is available to member libraries to support the operations and growth of shared catalog consortia, or Local Library System Automation Programs (LLSAPs). The Catalog Membership Grant aims to increase membership in RAILS LLSAPs by funding startup costs, such as...

There's still time to participate in the Libraries as Digital Navigators: Library Listening & Learning Circles! We want to learn from library staff about the real challenges, barriers, and assets in your communities so we can best support your work helping residents access devices, reliable internet...

Due to sustainability, efficiency, and safety reasons, the Consortium for Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI), the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) are announcing a change to the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS)...