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!
Latest News
February 4, 2026
Delivery News
Have You Tried Delivery On the Go?
December 5, 2025
IHLS News
We're Restructuring!
November 24, 2025
IHLS News
You're Invited—Libraries + Education: Creating Community through Collaboration
November 3, 2025
IHLS News
SR 104 Advises Trustee Training – iLEAD Is Here to Help!
October 23, 2025
IHLS News
Introducing the IHLS Annual Progress & Impact Report (FY2025)
October 8, 2025
IHLS News
Grant Opportunity: Free Tubs Available for IHLS Member Library Use
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 Directors Chat
System Member Networking
Join library directors and branch leaders across central and southern Illinois for this text-based chat.
SHARE Catalogers Training Session
LLSAP/Consortium
SHARE-library catalogers discuss problems, share ideas, and learn about changes to cataloging practices.
Do You Hear What I Hear?: Cataloging Audio-enabled Books — an Online with the CMC webinar
Cataloging Maintenance Center, Continuing Education
Online with the CMC is a free monthly cataloging webinar; this month, we're discussing cataloging audio-enabled books.
Do You Hear What I Hear?: Cataloging Audio-enabled Books — an Online with the CMC webinar
Cataloging Maintenance Center, Continuing Education
Online with the CMC is a free monthly cataloging webinar; this month, we're discussing cataloging audio-enabled books.
IHLS Directors Chat
System Member Networking
Join library directors and branch leaders across central and southern Illinois for this text-based chat.
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.
