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 services over 28,000 square miles and the libraries of 2.16 million Illinois residents!
Latest News
April 23, 2025
IHLS News
Your Feedback Requested: Proposed FY2026 Budget & Operational Plan
April 16, 2025
IHLS News
Joint Statement on Changes at the Institute of Museum and Library Services
April 8, 2025
CMC News
CMC Announces FY2026 Cataloging Courses
April 1, 2025
IHLS News
IHLS's Third HR Source Membership Grant
March 18, 2025
IHLS News
On the March 14 Executive Order & IMLS Funding
February 27, 2025
IHLS News
Congratulations to the Inaugural IHLS Marketing Microgrant Winners
Subscribe to IHLS News
Get the latest updates by signing up for our Member Connection newsletter, continuing education emails, or one of our other mailing lists
Upcoming Events
IHLS Members Matter & Third Thursday CE
Continuing Education, System Member Networking
Join IHLS members and staff for a continuing education program and membership forum in these monthly events.
MEPL May 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.
IHLS Directors Chat
System Member Networking
Join library directors and branch leaders across central and southern Illinois for this text-based chat.
SHARE Your Cataloging Questions
LLSAP/Consortium
Join SHARE catalogers for barcoding and cataloging Q&A session.
IHLS Board Meet & Greet
You're Invited: Board Meet & Greet
As part of our FY2025 Operational Plan, we’re excited to reintroduce networking events. This is the first of three planned events designed to help our Board and member library staff connect and engage around a shared topic.
Join IHLS for a ribbon cutting along with the Glen/Ed Chamber of Commerce. You will have the opportunity to tour the newly installed Automatic Materials Handling System (AMHS).
- Start Time: 3:30 p.m. – Networking
- Edwardsville AMHS Ribbon Cutting and Tour: 4:00 p.m. with the Ed/Glen Chamber of Commerce
- Light refreshments will be provided
We hope you'll join us as we kick off this new initiative to foster stronger relationships and shared learning across our organization and member libraries!
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.
