News from RAILS & Libraries

We are pleased to announce that the $40 exhibit guest passes are now available through RAILS' exhibitor portal for ALA Annual! RAILS member libraries can purchase exhibit-only passes for library staff members to visit the exhibit hall at the ALA Annual Conference, June 22–27, in Chicago. There is no...

Helen Plum Library is announcing the closure of its current building at 110 W Maple Street in Lombard to relocate to a new facility at 411 S Main Street. The last day to visit the Library at 110 W Maple Street will be Wednesday, March 8. The Library and bookdrops will close to the public at 9pm that...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, Chicago Maritime Museum in Chicago! Chicago's history and development stem from its axis at the foot of the Great Lakes. This strategic location gave the city access to the St...

Glenview Public Library launched a new website earlier this year with an enhanced digital experience encouraging an intuitive discovery of new materials and services. Our new website showcases collections and spotlights offerings with a mobile-friendly design that gives access to Library resources...

On Monday, February 13, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other officials helped the Gail Borden Public Library District kick-off the expansion of the Gail Borden Public Library District South Elgin Branch ( 127 South McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177). Congressman Krishnamoorthi's support led...

FOR PUBLIC RELEASE 15 Feb 2023 Cary, IL. The Board of Trustees of the Cary Area Public Library District (CAPLD) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an executive director search firm to be considered in their effort to replace the current outgoing library executive director. The Cary Area...

Staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) are welcome at the RAILS Member Update on Tuesday, February 28 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom. Monica Harris, RAILS' new Executive Director, will talk about her plans for RAILS moving forward...

In this episode of RAILS Minute, Dan Bostrom welcomes Monica Harris as the new Executive Director of RAILS. Dan and Monica discuss what's next for RAILS in this new chapter, including opportunities for member library workers to meet Monica and share ideas. Have a question or topic suggestion...

Our next NILRC Professional Development Webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 7 from 10-11 am. Our presenter is Heidi Lundquist, Library Technical Assistant at Morton College. Vision Boards! Vision boards (Also known as dream boards, dream walls, goal boards, focus boards, concept collages, among...

Explore More Illinois, RAILS' online cultural and recreational pass program for Illinois libraries, spotlights attraction, Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago! The mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library is to increase the public's understanding of military history, military...

After a nationwide search, the RAILS Board appointed Monica Harris as RAILS Executive Director effective immediately. Monica has been serving as Interim Executive Director since November 2022. Monica first joined RAILS as Associate Executive Director in January 2020. In this role, she provided...

Cozying up with five cool, rare books on plants Winter is a great season for bookworms—there's nothing like a good book to keep you company during the colder months. And as far as stories go, the Rare Book Collection at the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lenhardt Library is a true treat. The Lenhardt...

Over the next few months, people who live in and around Lake Villa District Library will see some interesting newspaper ads and a large billboard and will receive a postcard at their home address. While this type of media plan is far from remarkable ----some might even consider it dated as Reels...

Please join RAILS in welcoming our newest member, General George S. Patton School District 133! This school district is located in Riverdale, Illinois. There is one school in the district, serving K-8 students. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the district has an enrollment of 210...

Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, Jennifer Hammer of the Conservation Foundation, Val Devine from Joliet Public Library, Stephanie Driscoll from Schaumburg Township District Library , Ali Lanthrum from Aurora Public Library and Gail Borden Library representatives worked together to create a traveling...