RAILS Accessibility Statement
We strive to make events accessible to all. If you have a specific accessibility request or need accommodations, please contact us at access@railslibraries.org at least two weeks before the event.
About This Event
On Wednesday, September 9, 3-4 p.m., we will host a RAILS Member Update. This event will feature three short presentations. A full agenda is available in Files section of this page below.
- E-Rate & Libraries – Joseph Wender, Schools, Hospitals, & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition Executive Director
- New Illinois Laws Impacting Libraries – Erin Monforti, Associate, Ancel Glink
- Find More Illinois Update – Leila Heath, RAILS Director of Library Resources and Programs & Barb Miller, RAILS Consortial Services Manager
All levels of staff from RAILS member libraries are invited to join us for this event on Zoom. After the event, a recording will be available on the RAILS YouTube page.
Location(s)
See event details.
Online
Presenter
Joseph Wender
Executive Director, Schools, Hospitals, Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition
Joseph Wender served as Director of the Capital Projects Fund, overseeing the $10 billion program at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and helping to ensure that all communities have access to high-quality modern infrastructure, including affordable, reliable high-speed internet. He previously served for nearly 13 years on Capitol Hill, most recently as Senator Ed Markey’s Senior Policy Advisor, where he led a team covering a wide range of issues including telecommunications and infrastructure. Wender also worked as then-Representative Markey’s Legislative Director. Prior to working for Markey, Wender served as Counsel for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He received his BA from Wesleyan University and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.
Presenter
Erin Monforti
Associate, Ancel Glink
Erin Monforti is an attorney at Ancel Glink, P.C. in Chicago, where she practices in the areas of Local Government, Zoning & Land Use, and Litigation. Erin regularly advises libraries on complex issues involving the First Amendment, procurement and contracting, and policy development. She also provides guidance on compliance with FOIA, the Open Meetings Act, and other statutes and regulations impacting local government.
Presenter
Leila Heath
Director of Library Resources and Programs, RAILS
Leila Heath, Director of Library Resources and Programs at RAILS, has worked in public libraries for over 20 years. She has held a range of positions including Page, PR Director, Youth Services Librarian, Head of Adult Services and Head of Public Services. In her current role at RAILS, Leila’s responsibilities encompass statewide programs Find More Illinois, eRead Illinois and Explore More Illinois, and the RAILS Deals & Discounts program.
Presenter
Barb Miller
Consortial Services Supervisor, RAILS
Barb Miller currently serves as the Consortial Services Supervisor at RAILS, where she connects members to seamless resource sharing across the RAILS service area through her leadership of Find More Illinois and its connected services. She also consults on the RAILS School Library Data Project in conjunction with the AISLE Partnership, which includes members from Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois State Board of Education, as well as other state & local organizations.
File
RAILS Member Update Agenda September 2026 [Word]
(111.24 KB)
File
RAILS Member Update Agenda September 2026 [PDF]
(308.37 KB)