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!
Latest News
June 29, 2026
IHLS News
IHLS Recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace
June 25, 2026
IHLS News
IHLS Board Meet & Greets
May 27, 2026
IHLS News
FY2027/CY2026 Election Results!
April 28, 2026
IHLS News
Your Feedback Requested: Proposed FY2027 Budget & Operational Plan
March 26, 2026
IHLS News
IHLS's Fourth HR Source Membership Grant
March 26, 2026
IHLS News
The Second Annual IHLS Marketing Microgrant
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
SWATS Meeting (SouthWest Advocates for Teen Services)
System Member Networking
Southwest Advocates for Teen Services is a group where library staff can meet to share program ideas and issues with other teen-focused staff.
IHLS Directors Chat
System Member Networking
Join library directors and branch leaders across central and southern Illinois for this text-based chat.
Directors University Core
APPLICATION IS CLOSED.
Directors University Core will be August 10-13, 2026 in Bloomington, IL.
For full details and the application link, visit the Directors University Core webpage. Applications are due by May 8, 2026 and attendees will be notified of acceptance by May 23, 2026.
Email Kristin Pekoll, kpekoll@ila.org, with any questions.
In the Right Order: The Sequence of Series 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.
Leap Basic Circulation Training — A SHARE Circulation Class
LLSAP/Consortium
A Leap basic circulation class for SHARE members
In the Right Order: The Sequence of Series 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.
