• Merger Fact Sheet -- Download a 2-page PDF to print as a handout.

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This website represents the communications arm of the Merger Design Team. Its purpose is to inform the library community, the media, and the public about the progress in merging five northern and central Illinois library systems.

In order to continue to deliver library services in the most cost effective and sustainable way, Illinois library systems were encouraged by the State Library to embark on a restructuring effort. In 2010, the boards of five Illinois library systems agreed to merge and form a single entity beginning July 1, 2011.

The restructuring process came about due to the State of Illinois' unprecedented fiscal crisis. Libraries and library systems experienced significant delays in state payments of appropriated funds that resulted in cuts in staff and services. The likelihood of continued delays in state payments and an uncertain funding environment is expected to continue.

The boards of the following library systems voted to begin the merger process:

• Alliance Library System
• DuPage Library System
• Metropolitan Library System
• North Suburban Library System
• Prairie Area Library System 

The merged system is named Reaching Across Illinois Library System, and began operations on July 1, 2011. The RAILS website is at:

http://www.railslibraries.info