News from RAILS & Libraries

On Wednesday, February 11, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is attached. Dan Montgomery, Executive Director of the American Library Association, will present on the future of ALA. We anticipate many questions for Dan, so...

Looking for the best deals, discounts, and new resources for your library? The new RAILS Deals & Discounts email lists help you save money, stay informed, and connect with colleagues across the RAILS membership. Whether you manage electronic resources, purchase materials, supplies, or furniture, or...

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...

From the My Library Is... Blog: 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...

RAILS will be closed on Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Day. Delivery services will not be provided. RAILS will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

From the My Library Is... Blog: 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...

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...

Small but mighty continues to be the inspiration behind the third annual Tiny Art installation at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML). On display throughout December, the newest batch of 4”x4” canvases, 156 in total, shows a new level of creativity from the community members that...

From the My Library Is... Blog: 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...

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...

From the My Library Is... Blog: 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...

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...

Galena LitFest is the twelfth annual literary festival organized and funded by the Galena Public Library with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library and in partnership with the Galena Center for the Arts, Champagne on Main, Galena Cellars, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Jo Daviess...