IHLS Store

Check out the IHLS Store! Make a purchase not only to show your library love, and you'll help fund a microgrant for IHLS member libraries!

Learn More About the Store
Text: While you’re here, check out the IHLS Store. Proceeds fund a marketing micro-grant for IHLS member libraries. Learn more and shop. Includes images of items for sale in the store.

New IMLS Advocacy Resource Guide

Check out our IMLS Advocacy Resource Guide for help encouraging your community and representatives to save IMLS!

Go to the Guide
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Services

IHLS has a menu of tools and resources to help Illinois libraries provide outstanding services. In addition to free functional 5-day interlibrary delivery, library staff can take continuing education classes, access grant and tool databases, and more.

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Who are we?

520+

Member Libraries in Central & Southern Illinois

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Illinois Heartland Library System is a state agency that helps 520+ member libraries deliver exceptional service to their communities.

As one of two multi-type systems in Illinois, we are a support partner for public, school, academic, and special libraries and the library staff and trustees that work for them.

28,268 Square Miles

IHLS serves over 28,000 square miles and the libraries of 2.16 million Illinois residents!

More About Us
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Imagining Tomorrow

Delivering Possibilities

Today

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Upcoming Events

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IHLS

iLEAD Trustee Learning Portal Statewide Workshop

Continuing Education, iLEAD Trustee Training

Learn how the iLEAD Trustee Learning Portal can help public library board members shine in their roles!

Zoom
Nov 15, 2025
Sat - 8 am

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IHLS

IHLS Board Member Virtual Meet & Greet: IHLS Board Elections Q&A - CANCELED

Meet with current board members and learn about the benefits of serving on the IHLS Board of Directors

This is an opportunity for those considering a nomination for the FY2027 IHLS Board Member election to meet with current board members to learn about the benefits of serving on the IHLS Board of Directors and ask questions.

Spend some time for information and Q&A with board members to learn about the benefits of being part of the IHLS Board of Directors.

Sarah Hill, Lakeland College Library Director & IHLS Board President

Ryan Johnson, O'Fallon Public Library Director & IHLS Board Secretary

Kristy Walker, Bethalto Public Library Board Trustee & IHLS Board Member-at-Large 

Zoom
Nov 17, 2025
Mon - 10 am

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IHLS

IHLS Personnel Committee Meeting

A meeting of the IHLS Personnel committee

Zoom,IHLS Edwardsville 1st Floor Multipurpose Room
Nov 17, 2025
Mon - 4 pm

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IHLS

IHLS Executive Committee Meeting

A meeting of the IHLS Executive committee

Evans Public Library District,Zoom
Nov 19, 2025
Wed - 4 pm

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IHLS

IHLS Nominating Committee Meeting

A meeting of the IHLS Nominating committee

Zoom
Nov 20, 2025
Thu - 4 pm

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IHLS

MEPL November Meeting

System Member Networking

MEPL is for public library managers to get together and discuss issues, answer questions, share ideas, and occasionally have a guest speaker.

Co-sponsors
MEPL - Metro-East Public Library Management Group

Belleville Public Library
Nov 20, 2025
Thu - 2 pm

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Delivering Possibilities Today

IHLS members are part of a robust interlibrary loan system that spans the entire state—something unique to Illinois! Any Illinois resident with a library card from a system-member library can freely request and obtain materials from any other system-member library in Illinois.

And, because all library patrons deserve to receive their holds quickly, our reliable five-day delivery service is offered to all member libraries.

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