News & Announcements from RAILS

Season two, episode six of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. In this powerful episode, school librarian, author, and activist Amanda Jones joins the show to share her story in a candid conversation about censorship, courage, and hope for the future of...

As a multiuse element of branding, logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library. Recognizability and accessibility are...

RAILS Delivery is arguably one of the most crucial services provided to member libraries and one of the most recognizable parts of RAILS' services. According to our RAILS: Numbers that Count data, “In 2024, our 46-delivery staff produced a 2813% return on investment by delivering 7.9 million items...

RAILS Executive Director Monica Harris reflects on the progress we've made together this year. We’re honored to support you, and we look forward to continuing this work together in 2026. Happy holidays!

The RAILS Board of Directors voted on Friday, November 21, to adopt Free Speech Needs Free Libraries: A Joint Statement of CARLI, Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI. This statement was initially developed and approved by CARLI, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and PALCI (Partnership for Academic Library...

As a multiuse element of branding, logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library. Recognizability and accessibility are...

The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) has selected two libraries to receive RAILS Cataloging Membership Grants. Congratulations to this year's recipients: Rolling Meadows Library (CCS) - $53,050.00 Wauconda Area Public Library District (CCS) - $53,050.00 This grant aims to support...

The Can't Shelve This crew hosted their first-ever live show at the AISLE Conference in Champaign, IL on October 6, 2025. We asked one simple question: what is one thing your school library has that you wish every school library could have? Together, we created a powerful vision of a school library...

RAILS delivery is arguably one of the most crucial services provided to member libraries and one of the most recognizable parts of RAILS' services. According to our RAILS: Numbers that Count data, “In 2024, our 46-delivery staff produced a 2813% return on investment by delivering 7.9 million items...

In compliance with Illinois statutes and administrative rules [23 Ill. Adm. Code 3030.200], annual certification is required of ALL library system members to retain system membership and eligibility for grants administered by the Illinois State Library. Examples of Illinois State Library grants...

As a multiuse element of branding, logos may act as the first opportunity for patrons to connect with the library. Found on bookmarks, signage, websites, and other outreach materials, a well-designed logo is a tool to aid the public perception of the library. Recognizability and accessibility are...

As the eRead Illinois program migrates to The Palace Project App, we want to make sure our member libraries are ready. Below, you will find a list of webinars to help you navigate and learn about The Palace Project. No matter what library type you serve, there is more than one webinar for you. All...

Season two, episode four of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. It's time for some real talk. Janette and Leah dive into the realities of school librarianship today—unpacking the numbers, staffing shortages, and loopholes schools use to sidestep library...

After a successful L2 Signup Month, RAILS is continuing to spread the word about Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2)—the statewide calendar and membership database for library staff and trustees. We’re excited to share our brand-new L2 Signup poster that highlights: Who can have an L2 account...

RAILS delivery is arguably one of the most crucial services provided to member libraries and one of the most recognizable parts of RAILS' services. According to our RAILS: Numbers that Count data, “In 2024, our 46-delivery staff produced a 2813% return on investment by delivering 7.9 million items...