News from RAILS & Libraries

Through March 4, visitors to the Oak Park Public Library's Idea Box can learn about the legacy of local scientist Dr. Percy Julian and his wife Dr. Anna Julian, including their academic achievements, professional contributions, humanitarian endeavors, and family life. Percy Julian, one of the first...

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...

After 24 years as head of the much-beloved Homer Township Public Library District, Executive Director Sheree Kozel-La Ha will retire on March 29, 2024. “Serving my home community, where I raised my family, has been my honor and joy. It has truly been a privilege to lead this exceptional Library,”...

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...

On Friday, January 26, the Village of Lake Bluff disbursed $84,474 to the Lake Bluff Public Library for its share of Personal Property Replacement Taxes (PPRT) going back to 1980. As Library Board President Bonnie Shaul states, “The Village Board showed tremendous commitment in swiftly correcting...

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...

With the Digital Equity Plan comment period ending today, RAILS, along with CARLI and IHLS, has submitted public comments representing the statewide library perspective to the Illinois Office of Broadband. This open letter outlines several recommendations for further strengthening the draft Digital...

Lake Villa District Library is one of the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grants, awarded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This prestigious grant marks a significant achievement, as LVDL becomes the first public library ever...

It’s a brand-new day in Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML)! Step inside and come discover new ways to play and learn as AHML begins 2024 with a totally reimagined and refreshed Kids’ World space designed to meet the growing needs of its youngest customers, their families...

RAILS announced the release of a new memo which provides guidance for libraries on reporting requirements for newly hired independent contractors (please see the attached document). This is in connection to Public Act 103-0343 which was signed into law by Governor Pritzker on July 28, 2023 and went...

In the first episode of 2024, Monica and Dan formally announce the new RAILS Director of Consulting and CE, the SLATE dashboard launch, and all the deadlines members should know about to ensure proper certification and delivery. Relevant Links: RAILS Member Update 2024 Certification Tutorial...

The Morton Grove Public Library kicked off the new year with a luminaria display. Over 125 lanterns lit the path and stairs leading to the library’s main entrance. The lanterns were decorated by patrons with their wishes for the new year. Patrons of all ages came to view the display and were treated...