News from RAILS & Libraries

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...

RAILS will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, December 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Delivery services will not be provided. RAILS will reopen on Friday, December 26.

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...

The library is a place to learn, try new things and explore ideas, and for many, including a group of friends who met through the Arlington Heights Memorial Library's programming, it also serves as a space to meet new people, build friendships and feel a sense of belonging. "I had been trying to...

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...

As the eRead Illinois program migrates to The Palace Project App, we want to make sure our member libraries are ready. Below, you will find a list of webinars to help you navigate and learn about The Palace Project. No matter what library type you serve, there is more than one webinar for you. All...

Association of Jewish Libraries IN PERSON Conference: Cooler by the Lake June 22–24, 2026 | Evanston, Illinois Librarians, scholars, educators, archivists, authors, and library advocates are invited to submit proposals for papers and presentations on all aspects of librarianship and on topics...

The creative spirit of Arlington Heights was on full display Thursday night as the Art with Alayne Artists' Celebration Reception brought together 31 artists, their families, friends and many community members for a celebratory evening at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library honoring the creative...