last updated: 5/19/2020 1:19 PM CT
On this page: IHLS COVID-19 News | IHLS Need to Knows | Patron & Staff Resources
IHLS buildings closed, Delivery suspension extended through May 30, 2020.
IHLS Updates for Members
IHLS and SHARE are closely monitoring the situation state-wide and nation-wide, including recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and steps being considered and taken by libraries across the state and the nation. Please be assured that we will be working together to adapt our procedures and recommendations as the situation continues to evolve. Please pay close attention to our website and your email for additional communications in the coming weeks.
Directors' Chats
Upcoming Chats
Mondays and Thursdays during the pandemic, 1-2:30 p.m. registration in L2 requested
Monday, May 18* | Thursday, May 21Monday, May 25* | Thursday, May 28
Please note: There will be no Directors' Chats on May 18 and 25.
- Chat Transcript Archive
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Thursday, May 21 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, May 11 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, May 7 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, May 4 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, April 30 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, April 27 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, April 23 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, April 20 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, April 16 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, April 13 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, April 9 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, April 6 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, April 2 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, March 30 - TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, March 26 - TRANSCRIPT
Monday, March 23 - TRANSCRIPT
Wednesday, March 18 - TRANSCRIPT
IHLS Delivery Suspended through May 30*
RAILS Delivery is currently also suspended. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this crisis. As always, feel free to reach out to IHLS Delivery staff by email:
Champaign hub: Linda Kates lkates@illinoisheartland.org
Edwardsville/Carbondale hubs: Linda Petty lpetty@illinoisheartland.org
Director of Operations: Susan Palmer spalmer@illinoisheartland.org
Library Closings
Known Closings of IHLS Libraries
If your library is closed and not on this list, please let us know using the directions below.
Known Illinois Public Library Closures Map
If your library is closed and not on this list, please let us know using the directions below.
REPORTING CLOSINGS NOW THROUGH MAY 30*
Schools: School libraries are automatically being added to closing list for the duration of the State of Illinois executive orders. For SHARE members, patrons will not accrue fines.
All Other IHLS-Only Members: Delivery has currently been suspended. However, we would still like members to report their closures using the No Delivery Request Form. This information will be used to update a publicly available list of library closures (coming soon).
All Other IHLS-SHARE Members: If your library has determined that it needs to close, please remember to notify SHARE by completing the Closing Dates Form to update your settings in Polaris. If you would like to check your closing dates, you can go to Utilities >> Reports and Notices >> Tools >> Dates Closed.
REPORTING CLOSINGS STARTING MAY 31*
Schools: School libraries are automatically being added to closing list for the duration of the State of Illinois executive orders. For SHARE members, patrons will not accrue fines.
All Other IHLS-Only Members: If your library has determined that it will be closed, please notify IHLS Delivery by completing the No Delivery Request Form.
All Other IHLS-SHARE Members: If your library has determined that you need to close, please notify both IHLS Delivery by completing the No Delivery Request Form AND SHARE by completing the Closing Dates Form to update your settings in Polaris. If you would like to check your closing dates, you can go to Utilities >> Reports and Notices >> Tools >> Dates Closed.
Canceling Events
All three IHLS locations are currently closed. IHLS and SHARE in-person events are currently canceled and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for opportunities for virtual attendance.
*Dates subject to change in response to recommendations and mandates by the CDC, IDPH, and state and federal governments.
SHARE Members
Updates specifically for SHARE-member libraries can be found on the SHARE website.
IHLS and SHARE Staff Working Remotely
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all IHLS/SHARE staff who could work from home were strongly encouraged to do so. Only essential staff were to be present be in our three hubs, and when they did they were to continue to practice good cold hygiene and social distancing. Effective 5 PM Saturday, March 22--the time designated for the State of Illinois stay-at-home executive order to go into effect--IHLS/SHARE staff are required to work from home.
To reach office staff who are working remotely, please email them or leave your email address in your voice message.
While delivery is paused, our couriers and sorters will not be able to work. All will be paid as normal based on their routine schedule.
When staff return to IHLS physical locations: To help prevent the spread of disease, IHLS will direct staff, including drivers, with suspected cold and flu symptoms to go home. To encourage compliance, all staff are eligible for sick leave during this period—this includes part-time staff. Additionally, employees who are able to work from home are encouraged to do so as needed.
DISCLAIMER: Illinois Heartland Library System does not offer medical or legal advice. Please check with your medical or legal professional before making any health or law-related decisions.
