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
Medium Pubs Meeting
Staff of medium-sized public libraries gather to network and discuss what is going on in mid-size libraries.
Canceled - IHLS Directors Chat
System Member Networking
Join library directors and branch leaders across central and southern Illinois for this text-based chat.
Extra Credit! School Librarian Networking
System Member Networking
Monthly open forum for school library staff
iLEAD Trustee Learning Portal Statewide Workshop
Continuing Education, iLEAD Trustee Training
Learn how the iLEAD Trustee Learning Portal can help public library board members shine in their roles!
The Power of a Name: Examining the Importance of Authority Records — 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 authority records.
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.
