News & Announcements from RAILS

They keep the books moving, the doors open, and the students supported—often without any recognition. They're paraprofessionals, and their invisible labor makes a visible impact. Episode 2.10 of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Janette and Leah are...

Voting is now open for the 2026 RAILS Board Election! Members may cast their ballot until Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This year, we have: 2 candidates running for 1 academic seat 4 candidates running for 1 at-large seat 7 candidates running for 3 public library trustee seats 3 candidates...

Geralyn Hesslau Magrady, the 2016 winner of the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project, recently took to Facebook to celebrate the tenth anniversary of her victory for her novel, Lines. Reflecting on the impact of the Illinois library contest, Magrady shared: “Winning this award was an incredibly...

The Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS) has selected 26 projects to receive My Library Is... Grants. The total amount funded for these projects is $104,874.34. The purpose of these grants is to provide an opportunity for libraries to focus on projects that help tell their institution’s...

A clip from Fox 32 Chicago Live in which RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris discusses Illinois House Bill 5236, the Digital Library Protection Act. Monica explains why this bill is necessary to help protect libraries from rising e-book costs. This clip is from Monday, April 27.

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...