News & Announcements from RAILS

Calling all innovators in library education! RAILS is thrilled to launch our next grant initiative to empower RAILS member libraries through Continuing Education (CE) events. You can shape future professional development opportunities by applying for up to $2,000 in funding per grant to support...

The Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library (ISL) are excited to share more details about the statewide e-resource package. In June, it was announced that the contract was finalized with EBSCO to provide a suite of resources available to all Illinois communities at no charge. A full list...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes back for the 2024 season, the Chicago Red Stars in Bridgeview! Established in 2007, the Red Stars were a founding member of the former Women’s Professional Soccer and would later become one...

Dan and Monica talk about the eagerly-anticipated statewide e-resource package, exciting new opportunities for library catalogers, and resources available for school librarians to remain in compliance with Public Act 103-0100 as they head back to school. Relevant Links: Statewide e-Resource Package...

Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) recently published an FAQ for schools regarding Public Act 103-0100 on book bans. This legislation is designed to protect Illinois libraries' freedom to acquire materials and Illinoisans' freedom to read. This law mandates that every Illinois library...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra in Ottawa! This season we celebrate the diamond anniversary of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, presenting a wealth of...

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Illinois Cataloging Mentorship Program (iCAMP), a year-long initiative designed to support all levels of current and aspiring cataloging staff. Program Overview: iCAMP operates on a comprehensive year-long framework, structured to facilitate growth and...

RAILS proudly recognized the service of each of our outgoing board members at the Friday, June 21, 2024 board meeting: Rosie Camargo from the South Holland Public Library served in an at-large seat, April 2022 - June 2024. Alice Creason from the Richton Park Public Library served in a public library...

Please join RAILS in welcoming our new member library, Liberty CUSD #2 , a public school district located in Liberty, Illinois. The district has two schools. Liberty Elementary School serves grades PK-6 and Liberty High School serves students in grades 7–12. According to the Illinois State Board of...

The Illinois State Library (ISL) has been contacting libraries with news about the statewide e-resource package. The contract for this package has been finalized with EBSCO. This e-resource package will be available to all Illinois communities without any charge. We have attached a list of all...

For data collection purposes, the Illinois State Library issues control and branch numbers for each library. This information helps the Illinois State Library and the library systems identify library agencies and locations for membership, grants, and other purposes. To find your control and branch...

Dan and Monica announce our newly-elected board members, what libraries need to know to be in compliance with Title II, and how you might be interested in exploring our growing interlibrary loan platform, Find More Illinois. Relevant Links: 2024 RAILS Board candidate videos Digital Accessibility...

We are pleased to announce that RAILS is now an Illinois state-approved professional development provider authorized to issue professional development credit to Illinois licensed educators for license renewal purposes. This alignment with Illinois state standards for professional development ensures...

Congratulations to the 2024 candidates who have been elected to the RAILS Board: At-Large Seats Amanda Kowalcze, Frankfort Public Library District Emily Porter, Byron Public Library District Public Library Trustee Seats Jennifer Cutshall, Homewood Public Library District Anupam Goel, Clarendon Hills...

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding $2 million in new grants to assist public libraries in underserved communities with needed technology enhancements, Secretary and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced today. According to the Secretary of State’s office, 113 public libraries...