News & Announcements from RAILS

On March 14, 2025, Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). RAILS is spotlighting libraries and institutions in Illinois that have received IMLS grant money and sharing how they...

When it comes to advocacy, numbers often speak louder than words. Whether it’s the public library board, school superintendent, or a taxpaying resident, they need numbers to understand the value of libraries and provide support. Our members rely on RAILS’s data team to research, analyze, and present...

Does your academic library have an archive collection? Is it located in a storage closet? Or basement? If you asked your college community about the archive, what would they say? Our library team took an alternative approach to engagement and created multidimensional displays within glass display...

The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) has selected five libraries to receive RAILS Cataloging Membership Grants. Congratulations to this year's recipients: Camp Point Public Library (RSA) - $9,413.87 Chadwick Public Library (RRLC) - $23,239.00 Hamilton Public Library (RSA) - $12,910.00...

On March 14, 2025, Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). RAILS is spotlighting libraries and institutions in Illinois that have received IMLS grant money and sharing how they...

A Glimpse Into Thai Royal Correspondence As part of our ongoing efforts in the RAILS World Language Cataloging Service, we are excited to feature a fascinating item recently cataloged for Northern Illinois University (NIU) library collection: พระราชหัตถเลขาในพระบาทสมเด็จพระปรเมนทรมหามงกุฏ...

The season finale of Can't Shelve This is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. In "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs," Leah and Janette go straight to the source for school library wisdom: Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School librarian Heather McCarthy and two of her eighth graders, Emily and...

I am honored that Gower Middle School received one of the My Library Is... Grants for the 2024-2025 school year! We did not have a certified librarian from 2003-2018. When I took over the position as district librarian in 2018, there were so many books that needed to be weeded and replaced. While I...

Congratulations to the 2025 candidates who have been elected to the RAILS Board of Directors: At-Large Seats Yolande Wilburn, Evanston Public Library Megan Gove, Talcott Free Library Public Library Trustee Seats Roberta Parks, Peoria Public Library Ron Holohan, Dunlap Public Library District Carolyn...

At Washington District Library (WDL), we’re always looking for ways to bring library services into the community and are lucky to have a fantastic partner in the Washington Park District. Installing a Storywalk® in a nearby park was an obvious step for us. Getting It Done WDL is a smaller library...

There’s no need to re-invent the wheel in library land—our library workers are all about collaborating and sharing. At RAILS, we support 102 networking groups by offering them resources to help make important connections. We also host 24 different email lists, where library workers can ask topical...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, the Elgin History Museum in Elgin! The Elgin History Museum is located in a stately Greek Revival brick building that was built as Elgin Academy in 1856. The Museum has...

At the Klinck Memorial Library at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), we believe that the library is not just a place for quiet study and academic research, it is a center for connection, learning, and creativity, starting at the earliest age possible. With the generous support of the RAILS 2024 My...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Gillson Swimming Beach in Wilmette! Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS’ online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, welcomes its newest attraction, Glencoe Beach in Glencoe! Glencoe Beach is ideal for group and family outings, work picnics, or summer camp groups! Lifeguards are on duty daily during operational...