News & Announcements from RAILS

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...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Whim Chicago @ Stage 773 in Chicago! Welcome to WHIM CHICAGO, where IMMERSIVE ART, UNIQUE COCKTAILS, and CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE create unforgettable moments of...

The ILA Public Policy Committee wants to know more about your use of newspapers, specifically when it comes to required legal postings. This short 10-question survey will help ILA understand your costs, publication frequency, service area, and more. If applicable, please fill out a separate survey...

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) asks library workers to contribute witness slips for SB 2787 . This bill would amend the Illinois Local Library Act and the Public Library District Act of 1991 to require competitive bidding for contracts in excess of $35,000 (rather than $25,000) for specified...