You're Invited to Libraries + Education

School libraries are essential to student success. Join us to learn more about how your school can partner with Illinois’ Regional Library Systems to foster education and impact student achievement through the library.

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Superintendents, District Administrators, School Board Members: You're invited. January 20, 2026. Libraries and Education: Creating Community through Collaboration

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
Text: While you’re here, check out the IHLS Store. Proceeds fund a marketing micro-grant for IHLS member libraries. Learn more and shop. Includes images of items for sale in the store.

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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Services

IHLS has a menu of tools and resources to help Illinois libraries provide outstanding services. In addition to free functional 5-day interlibrary delivery, library staff can take continuing education classes, access grant and tool databases, and more.

Learn More About Our Services
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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!

More About Us
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Imagining Tomorrow

Delivering Possibilities

Today

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Upcoming Events

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IHLS

IHLS Personnel Committee Meeting - CANCELLED

A meeting of the IHLS Personnel committee

Zoom,IHLS Edwardsville 1st Floor Multipurpose Room
Jan 14, 2026
Wed - 3 pm

View in L2

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
Jan 15, 2026
Thu - 10 am

View in L2

IHLS

MEPL January 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

Tri-Township Public Library District
Jan 15, 2026
Thu - 2 pm

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IHLS

Libraries + Education: Creating Community through Collaboration

This session is primarily targeted to school administrators and school board members.

Co-sponsor
Reaching Across Illinois Library System

Zoom
Jan 20, 2026
Tue - 3 pm

View in L2

IHLS

Libraries + Education: Creating Community through Collaboration

This session is primarily targeted to school administrators and school board members.

Co-sponsor
Reaching Across Illinois Library System

Zoom
Jan 20, 2026
Tue - 3 pm

View in L2

IHLS

IHLS Executive Committee Meeting

A meeting of the IHLS Executive committee

Evans Public Library District,Zoom
Jan 21, 2026
Wed - 4 pm

View in L2

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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