Come share ideas for programs and services that appeal to adults. Open to anyone managing adult services at a public library.
Special Interest Groups
These groups allow IHLS members with similar professional specialties the opportunity to meet, connect, ask questions, and share ideas.
If your special interest group is not on the list and you would like to be added, please contact Angela Thompson.
Adult Services Forum
Meeting Dates:
The Adult Services Forum meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates
Group Contact:
Lacey Wright, Barclay Public Library District - 217-672-3621
Georgina Funk, Barclay Public Library District - 217-672-3621
About this group:
Cooperative Collection Development Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The Cooperative Collection Development meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Brenda Gilpatrick, Red Bud Public Library - (618) 282-2255
About this group:
Regular Networking meeting of librarians
East Central Illinois Directors Group
Meeting Dates:
The East Central Illinois Directors group usually meets the last Monday of the month. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Jennifer Hendrickson, Gilman-Danforth District Library - 815-265-7522
About this group:
Join this free informal discussion group to ask questions and get suggestions on any library topic. Connect with colleagues and share ideas for programming and other activities taking place in our libraries.
Free Form Free For All
Meeting Dates:
The Free Form Free For All group meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Sandi Hayes, Forsyth Public Library - 217-877-8174
About this group:
Youth services librarians have the opportunity to share ideas, success stories, new books, old books, and questions as they meet to informally discuss what is going on in the children and young adult areas of public libraries. Everyone who works with children and teens is invited to attend.
Library on the Go
Meeting Dates:
The Library On The Go consortium meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Johnna Schultz, Effingham Public Library - 217-342-2464
Lacey Wright, Barclay Public Library District - 217-672-3621
About this group:
Library on the Go is a group of primarily Central Illinois Libraries that have chosen to come together to provide a robust collection of eBooks, e-audiobooks and more for their communities through Overdrive. Library on the Go welcomes interest from any Illinois library.
Local History and Genealogy Forum
Meeting Dates:
The Local History and Genealogy Forum meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Alanna Sablotny, Chatham Area Public Library - 217-483-2713
Amy Byers, Chatham Area Public Library - 217-483-2713
About this group:
Come share ideas for programs and services focusing on local history and genealogy. Open to anyone who handles local history and genealogy services at a public library.
Medium Pubs Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The medium pubs group meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District - 217-732-8878
About this group:
The medium public library size libraries gather together to network about what is going on in their size library. They share ideas, discuss situations, and share events at their libraries.
MEPL - Metro-East Public Library Management Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The Metro-East Public Library Management group meets on even numbered months. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Ryan Johnson, O'Fallon Public Library - 618-632-3783 ext. 1
About this group:
The purpose of the meetings is to share ideas, voice concerns, and essentially learn from one another. *Open to all public library managers.
Northern Directors Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The Northern Directors meets as time allows. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Kim Zumwalt, Watseka Public Library - 815-432-4544
About this group:
Join this free informal discussion group to ask questions and get suggestions on any library topic. Connect with colleagues and share ideas for programming and other activities taking place in our libraries.
Small Public Libraries Get-Together
Meeting Dates:
The Small Pubs group meets quarterly. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Donna Cunningham, Athens Municipal Library - 217-636-8047
About this group:
The small public library size libraries gather together to network about what is going on in their size library. They share ideas, discuss situations, and share events at our libraries. They really have a lot of fun talking and sharing.
Southern Illinois Public Library Directors Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The Southern Illinois Public Library Directors group meets three times a year. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Loretta Broomfield, Sallie Logan Public Library - 618-684-3271
About this group:
An opportunity to meet with other public library directors to share ideas and problem-solve concerns.
SWAYS (SouthWest Advocates for Youth Services) Meeting
Meeting Dates:
The SouthWest Advocates for Youth Services group meets every month except for June, July, and August. See L2 calendar for dates.
Group Contact:
Ivy Cowen, Mascoutah Public Library - 618-566-2562
About this group:
Provide professional resources, guidance, and mentorship to library staff providing services to children and teens.