FAQ
Why are you changing the eRead Illinois platform?
The company that develops and manages the Boundless platform, Baker & Taylor, announced that they are winding down operations and sunsetting the Boundless platform by the end of 2025. Due to the sudden closure of Baker & Taylor, RAILS needs to immediately relocate our eRead Illinois program. RAILS is committed to continuing to offer a high-quality e-book and audiobook collection for libraries across Illinois.
Why Palace Project?
Like Boundless, The Palace Project offers an app where library users can discover, check out, and read or listen to library e-books and audiobooks. In addition to this functionality, The Palace Project offers the following benefits:
- the ability to aggregate content from multiple vendors into one patron facing app
- the ability to purchase library e-content with more favorable licensing terms via The Palace Project marketplace
- the ability to purchase Audible audiobook titles in The Palace Project marketplace
- a way to diversify library e-content holdings across Illinois
Where can I learn more about The Palace Project?
Visit The Palace Project website.
Current eRead Illinois member libraries are invited to join us for an informational webinar
What is the timeline for the eRead Illinois transition from Boundless to The Palace Project?
The transition from Boundless to The Palace Project will take place in two main parts: the content transfer and the library migration. RAILS is working with our vendor partners on implementing a detailed timeline for both. We hope to have the transition to The Palace Project complete by December 2.
Will Boundless be going away and when?
Yes, Baker & Taylor will sunset the Boundless platform by the end of 2025. The Palace Project app will be available to library patrons once we migrate the eRead Illinois collection from the Boundless app to The Palace Project and start onboarding eRead Illinois member libraries. Currently, the Boundless platform remains intact, but will be defunct as of November 17.
What will happen to library users holds, checkouts and checkout history?
Boundless users will lose active checkouts, holds and checkout history when the transfer takes place.
- Users will not be able to place holds or check items out after November 2.
- The collection will migrate to The Palace Project app beginning November 17.
- Patrons will have access to the eRead Illinois collection onTthe Palace Project app beginning December 2.
My library doesn't participate in eRead Illinois, can I still use The Palace Project?
Yes! The Palace Project app will be available to every library in Illinois. Once all current eRead Illinois member libraries are onboarded, we will open up The Palace Project membership to all libraries in Illinois.
Will everyone in Illinois have access to the eRead Illinois shared collection?
No. Libraries must join eRead Illinois in order to access the expansive shared collection. RAILS libraries and IHLS libraries not in SHARE can join eRead Illinois to gain access to the collection.
Can my library join eRead Illinois?
Yes! RAILS libraries and IHLS libraries who are not in SHARE may join eRead Illinois.
How does The Palace Project work with my other e-content resources?
Libraries can opt to aggregate their e-content collections from other vendors into The Palace Project app. That means that users will be able to discover, checkout, read, and listen to e-content from several vendors all in The Palace Project app.
What vendors does The Palace Project aggregate from?
OverDrive Libby, OCLC CloudLibrary and BiblioBoard inkie.org Library and more can all be integrated into The Palace Project app. Users will still have the option to access content through the individual apps, as well. Hoopla has opted not to participate in The Palace Project.
If our library aggregates our content into The Palace Project, will users still be able to use Libby and/or CloudLibrary?
Yes! Users will be able to access the library's e-content via Libby, CloudLibrary or the app of their choice.
Will The Palace Project work for K-12 schools?
The team is working on authentication solutions for schools. They are also working on a web-based solution, which is expected to be implemented by early 2026. RAILS will keep schools updated on the progress.
Does this FAQ have any information about Baker & Taylor’s physical book sales or book distribution?
No, RAILS does not have any involvement in Baker & Taylor’s distribution or sale of physical books.
What will happen to my Unbound collection/e-content my library purchased directly from B&T?
You can opt to transfer that content to The Palace Project app OR to another app of your choosing. Just like the Unbound program, this content will only be available to your users. RAILS can work with you if you opt to transfer the content to Palace.
Did RAILS consider other vendors for the eRead Illinois program?
RAILS staff met with representatives from several e-content platform vendors.
How long will we have access to the Boundless admin portal for collecting statistics?
Libraries will have access to their admin portal as long as Boundless is functioning. Baker & Taylor has set December 15 as the tentative sunset date for the platform. Due to staff reductions, support resources at Baker & Taylor are limited. We recommend collecting any statistics you need ASAP.
Where can I find training and marketing materials for The Palace Project?
You can visit The Palace Project website for training and marketing materials. RAILS will be sending some physical collateral to member libraries. The Palace Project team hosted webinars for eRead Illinois member libraries on the following topics in December:
The Palace Project team will be hosting the following webinars for eRead Illinois member libraries in January:
- Palace Marketplace
- Palace Q&A Session
Will the content in The Palace Project be the same as what's available in Boundless?
Most of the content will transfer from Boundless to The Palace Project. RAILS will begin purchasing new content for the shared collection from the Palace Marketplace in the coming weeks. The focus of the shared collection will remain on popular, in-demand titles and requests from member libraries.
What devices are compatible withThe Palace Project?
Review a list of compatible devices.
Is the Palace Project SOPPA Compliant?
Yes, The Palace Project's vendor, Lyrasis, has completed an originating NDPA with a school district in Illinois. To access the IL NDPA Exhibit E, please visit the SPDC website.
What authentication methods are available to school libraries?
Schools will have the option of using prefix authentication. School libraries that are part of a catalog consortium can authenticate via their ILS. The Palace team is currently working on developing additional authentication methods which will be available in the future.
Can we integrate the eRead Illinois collection from Palace directly into Destiny Discover the way we could with Boundless?
No. Currently, the collection will not integrate directly into Destiny. If that is functionality you would like, please contact your Follett rep.
Does The Palace Project work on Chromebooks?
Students can access the eRead Illinois collection on their devices via The Palace Project app.
Can students access The Palace Project via web browser?
No, but a web based version of the Palace Project is currently in development.
When will Palace be available to schools?
We are targeting January 2026 for school library onboarding. More information will be forthcoming.
Transition Resources
Sample Messaging to Patrons
Social Media Graphics
Sample Text
Sample Text 1
Introducing The Palace Project app: your new home for e-reading! Palace allows you to access more of your library’s e-books and audiobooks. Additionally, enjoy thousands of free titles on the Palace Bookshelf which are yours to keep for as long as you’d like. Download The Palace Project app for Android or Apple iOS today!
Sample Text 2
Introducing the official replacement for Boundless: The Palace Project—an e-reading experience developed by and for libraries. With The Palace Project app, you have access to the library’s digital collections in one place. Enjoy thousands of free books from the Palace Bookshelf as well as titles you enjoyed through Boundless –available exclusively in the app. Download The Palace Project app for Android or Apple iOS today!
Sample Text 3
Say hello to your new e-reading home: The Palace Project app!
The Palace Project app is replacing Boundless to give you seamless access to your library’s e-books and audiobooks all in one place.
Download the app on Android or Apple iOS and select your library to start exploring.
Happy reading! 📚✨
Timeline Handout
Logos
eRead Illinois
The Palace Project
