HB5236: Digital Library Protection Act Bill

A bill for the Digital Library Protection Act is currently in the state House of Representatives. Learn more on our new info page...

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HB5236: Digital Library Protection Act Information Page.

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
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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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FY2027 Proposed Budget & Operational Plan Available for Member Comment

Illinois Heartland Library System Library Members: We are excited to bring to you the IHLS Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Budget and Budget Narrative using OpenGov.

Learn More and Provide Feedback
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Who are we?

500+

Member Libraries in Central & Southern Illinois

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Illinois Heartland Library System is a state agency that helps 500+ 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
IHLS Staff overhead view -- Illinois Heartland Library System logo is seen in the background

Imagining Tomorrow

Delivering Possibilities

Today

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Upcoming Events

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IHLS

IHLS Executive Committee Meeting

A meeting of the IHLS Executive committee

Zoom,Evans Public Library District
May 20, 2026
Wed - 4 pm

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IHLS

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.

Zoom
May 21, 2026
Thu - 10 am

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IHLS

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.

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

Glen Carbon Centennial Library District
May 21, 2026
Thu - 2 pm

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IHLS

SHARE Your Cataloging Questions

LLSAP/Consortium

Join SHARE catalogers for barcoding and cataloging Q&A session.

Co-sponsor
SHARE - Sharing Heartland's Available Resources Equally

Zoom
May 26, 2026
Tue - 9 am

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IHLS

ZED Hub -Meet Your New Membership Team!

Spring into Connection: Meet Your New Membership Team!

IHLS Edwardsville 1st Floor Multipurpose Room
May 26, 2026
Tue - 1 pm

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IHLS

ZCA Hub - Meet Your New Membership Team!

Spring into Connection: Meet Your New Membership Team!

IHLS Carbondale Service Center Room 106F
May 27, 2026
Wed - 1 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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