What is Happening at RAILS This Fall? | Reaching Across Illinois Library System

This fall, RAILS is inviting you to take advantage of one of our many events, programs, and services! With RAILS, your library can save money, gain new skills, and connect with other libraries. Learn more:

News & Events

RAILS Announces New Branding for Find More Illinois

Check out the new Find More Illinois look! The new brand expresses the idea of connections between libraries. Currently, more than 90 libraries participate in Find More Illinois.

Announcing RAILS Academy, a New Online Learning Platform

Earlier this year, we launched RAILS Academy, a new online learning platform designed to support the professional development of staff at RAILS member libraries. Make sure to check out all of the free, on-demand tutorials on hundreds of topics!

Wanted: Submissions for World Language Cataloging Service

RAILS is inviting library staff to submit materials to the World Language Cataloging Service (WLCS). There is no charge for system member libraries to use this service.

Coming Soon: RAILS Virtual Vendor Fair, 1/28

In January 2027, come just us for the first-ever RAILS Virtual Vendor Fair. This full-day online event will feature RAILS partner vendors offering demos of their products.

Join the CCDNN Guiding Team

Help shape the future of digital navigation in Cook County! RAILS is recruiting library workers to join the Cook County Digital Navigator Network (CCDNN) Guiding Team. Apply by October 16.

RAILS Libraries Connect Grant Launches, 11/1

The RAILS My Library Is... Grants have a new name: RAILS Libraries Connect Grants! Your library is eligible to apply for up to $5,000 to tell your story. Applications open November 1.

Upcoming Calendar

October 20 – De-escalation and Crisis Response with PAVE Prevention
October 21 – Thinking Through AI Policy for Your Library
October 21 – RAILS Libraries Connect Grant Information Session
October 22 - RAILS Online Roundtable: Young Adult Literature
October 27 – Udemy: Explore New Features AI Tools, and Learning Resources
October 28 - When the Storm Comes: Preparing Communities with Ready NOW
October 30 – Strengthening Your Professional Influence & Impact
November 1 – RAILS Libraries Connect Grant applications open
November 3 – Project Management for the Rest of Us
November 12 - RAILS Member Update
November 16 – You're Already an Advocate: Advocacy Without Adding to Your To-Do List
November 18 – RAILS Session & Social: Seed Libraries
November 18 - iCAMP Bonfire: Online Office Hours for Library Catalogers
December 2 – RAILS Libraries Connect Grant Virtual Cowork Time
December 16 - iCAMP Bonfire: Online Office Hours for Library Catalogers
January 28 - RAILS Virtual Vendor Fair (registration coming soon!)
February 1 - RAILS Libraries Connect Grant applications due
February 5 - RAILS & LACONI TSS Virtual Acquisitions Round-Up

Stay in Touch

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For questions, please contact RAILS Communications, communications@railslibraries.org or 630-734-5000