Illinois Library Systems were established under the Illinois Library System Act (75 ILCS 10) and are supported through funding appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly and administered through the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.

Illinois Library Systems support cooperation and resource sharing among libraries statewide. Funded through annual System Area and Per Capita Grants administered by the Illinois State Library, the systems provide services that help libraries serve their communities. Key services include resource sharing, delivery of library materials, continuing education and support, and shared online catalogs through Local Library System Automation Programs (LLSAPs). Together, these services create a statewide network that expands access to library resources for Illinois residents.

Chicago Public Library System (CPL)

Quick access to frequently used CPL services and information:

• Chicago Public Library — CPL Homepage
• Administrative Staff — Contact Information for administrative staff
• Library News — Announcements and alerts
• Get a Library Card — Applying for a new card or updating a current card

Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS)

Quick access to frequently used IHLS services and information:

• Illinois Heartland Library System — IHLS homepage
• Staff Directory — Contact information for IHLS staff and departments
• Delivery — Information about IHLS delivery services
• Newsletters & Alerts — Subscribe to IHLS newsletters, announcements, and alerts
• IHLS LISTSERV — Email lists and alerts for Illinois library employees and trustees

Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)

Quick access to frequently used RAILS services and information:

• Reaching Across Illinois Library System — RAILS homepage
• Staff Directory — Contact information for RAILS staff
• Delivery — Information, procedures, forms, and resources for RAILS delivery services
• News & E-News — RAILS news and information about subscribing to RAILS E-News
• RAILS LISTSERV — Email lists and alerts for Illinois library employees and trustees

Statewide Programs

• Cataloging Maintenance Center (CMC) — Improving the quality of public access catalogs and making library materials more discoverable and accessible to patrons
• eRead Illinois — Information about the statewide e-book and e-audiobook program
• Explore More Illinois — Cultural pass program providing participating library cardholders access to offers at museums and other attractions
• Find More Illinois — Statewide discovery and interlibrary loan service connecting participating Illinois libraries and their collections
• iLEAD Trustee Learning Portal — Provides trustees with consistent, accurate information grounded in law and best practices

Organizations & Professional Resources

Illinois libraries are supported by a network of state, regional, and national organizations that provide leadership, professional development, advocacy, resource sharing, and guidance. These organizations and resources can help library trustees, directors, and staff connect with information and services that support their work.

American Library (ALA)

The American Library provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship.

• ALA Freedom to Read
• ALA Library Bill of Rights

Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)

ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.

Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE)

AISLE supports school library professionals throughout Illinois and promotes lifelong learning through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and support for strong school library programs.

Chicago Public Library System (CPL)

The Chicago Public Library is the municipal public library system of the City of Chicago.

Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)

CARLI is a membership organization for libraries, providing services at scale to Illinois academic and research libraries.

Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS)

IHLS is a multi-type regional library system serving public, school, academic, and special libraries throughout southern and parts of central Illinois. IHLS supports member libraries through resource sharing and delivery, continuing education, networking, advocacy, shared technologies, and other services.

Illinois Library Association (ILA)

ILA serves the Illinois library community by supporting library professionals and trustees through advocacy, professional development, networking, leadership opportunities, and resources that strengthen libraries statewide.

• ILA Membership Benefits

Illinois Municipal League (IML)

The Illinois Municipal League represents and serves municipalities throughout Illinois by providing information, legislative advocacy, educational opportunities, publications, and resources related to municipal government. Its resources may be particularly useful to municipal public libraries and library leaders working with local government.

Illinois State Library

The Illinois State Library provides leadership and support for library services throughout Illinois. It administers statewide library programs, grants, library system support, resource-sharing initiatives, and other services that help ensure Illinois residents have access to quality library and information services.

Municipal Minute

The Municipal Minute provides updates and commentary on Illinois local-government legal and legislative developments. Topics frequently include the Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, local-government operations, court decisions, legislation, and other issues that may also affect public libraries.

Note: Municipal Minute is an informational resource and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. Libraries should consult their attorney with questions about applying the law to a particular situation.

Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)

RAILS is a multi-type regional library system serving public, school, academic, and special libraries across northern and west-central Illinois. RAILS connects and supports member libraries through resource sharing, delivery, continuing education, networking, technology, group purchasing, and other collaborative services.

SHARE

SHARE (Sharing Heartland’s Available Resources Equally) is the multi-type library automation consortium serving participating libraries within IHLS.

• SHARE — SHARE homepage and resources
• SHARE Membership Levels — Information about joining SHARE and available membership levels

United for Libraries

A division of the American Library Association dedicated solely to the advancement of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends Groups, and Foundations.

Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2)

L2 is Illinois’ statewide library directory and learning calendar. Libraries, library systems, and the Illinois State Library use L2 to maintain organizational and personnel information and to share continuing education, meetings, and other learning opportunities.

Create Your L2 Account

Create an account using the L2 Create Account form.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Follow the link in the email to verify your address. L2 support must approve your library affiliation before fully activating your account.

Watch the L2 How-To Video

Keep Your L2 Information Current

Accurate L2 information helps maintain a reliable statewide library directory. Update your library or personal account when any of the following changes:

• Email address or library role
• Library staff or trustee information
• Building location, move, or closure
• Library operating hours
• Library website 

Annual Requirements

Checklist of Annual Requirements for Public Libraries

A one-page checklist of recurring responsibilities that public libraries may need to address during the year. The checklist includes board meeting schedules and posting, Illinois State Library certification, IPLAR reporting, nonresident card decisions, budgeting and appropriations, Statements of Economic Interest, closed-session minute reviews, financial reporting, FOIA and OMA officer designation and training, and the Public Library Per Capita Grant.

Use this document as a high-level annual planning checklist. Individual requirements may apply differently to district and local libraries, so users should follow the more detailed Ready Reference guidance for the applicable library type.

Checklist of Annual Requirements for Public Libraries (PDF)

Days and Dates to Remember

The Days and Dates to Remember resources provide calendar-based reminders of statutory and procedural deadlines that may affect Illinois public libraries. Because many actions require preparation before the final statutory deadline, these calendars support advance planning rather than last-day action.

Calendar Note: The 2025–2026 calendar notes that listed dates are deadlines or final dates for action unless otherwise indicated. Election changes, publication schedules, weekends, and a library’s fiscal year may affect the practical date for completing an action. Review the introductory notes in each calendar before relying on a listed date.

Municipal Libraries

A calendar reference for municipal public libraries organized around deadlines and events that may affect city, village, and incorporated-town libraries. It includes election and referendum dates, board meeting schedule requirements, financial and tax-related deadlines, Statements of Economic Interest, fiscal-year milestones, closed-session review dates, and other recurring governance and administrative dates.

Use this version when the library is established and governed as a municipal library. Dates dependent on a particular fiscal-year start should be adjusted when the library follows a different fiscal year.

Municipal Libraries — Days and Dates to Remember 2025–2026 (PDF)

Township Libraries

A calendar reference tailored to township public libraries. It identifies election and referendum dates, annual meeting and fiscal-year milestones, board schedule requirements, Statements of Economic Interest, financial and tax-related deadlines, and other dates relevant to township library governance and administration.

Use this version for libraries operating under township authority and review the introductory calendar notes before applying a date to a particular library.

Township Libraries — Days and Dates to Remember 2025–2026 (PDF)

Public Library Districts

A calendar reference for Illinois public library districts. It brings together election and referendum deadlines, board meeting schedule requirements, investment and financial deadlines, Statements of Economic Interest, levy and budget-related dates, and other recurring district-library responsibilities.

Use this version for libraries organized under the Public Library District Act. District libraries have requirements that differ from municipal and township libraries, particularly in budgeting, appropriations, levies, and district governance.

Public Library Districts — Days and Dates to Remember 2025–2026 (PDF)

Complete Reference

The complete Library Days and Dates to Remember document combines calendar information for municipal libraries, township libraries, and public library districts into a single reference. It also includes introductory notes addressing deadlines, election-date changes, Building and Maintenance Tax timelines, fiscal-year assumptions for municipal and township libraries, and Truth in Taxation timing.

This version is useful for administrators, consultants, and others who work with more than one type of Illinois public library or who prefer the complete annual calendar in one document.

Library Days and Dates to Remember 2025–2026 — Complete Reference (PDF)

When documentation is needed, a public library may contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to determine whether a Governmental Information Letter or other appropriate documentation is available for its circumstances.

An IRS governmental information letter can provide general information about the federal tax status of governmental entities and the federal tax treatment of contributions made to governmental organizations for public purposes.

This documentation may be helpful when a library is:

• Applying for a grant or other funding opportunity.

• Responding to a donor who requests documentation before contributing.

• Working with a business or organization that requests proof of governmental or tax-exempt status.

• Clarifying why the library does not have a traditional 501(c)(3) determination letter.

Before You Request Documentation

Be prepared to provide information identifying the library and its governmental status, such as its legal name, address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and information about the governmental entity under which it was established.

IRS Contact for Governmental Information Letters

Libraries seeking additional information or documentation may contact the IRS:

• Phone: 877-829-5500 — IRS Exempt Organizations

• Mail/Fax: Requests may be directed to the appropriate IRS Government Entities office.

• When contacting the IRS, ask specifically about obtaining a Governmental Information Letter for your public library.

Because IRS procedures and contact information may change, libraries should verify current submission instructions with the IRS before mailing or faxing a request.

The Records Management Section of the Illinois State Archives helps state and local government agencies dispose of records. In Illinois, no public record may be disposed of without the approval of the appropriate records commission.

For information about the procedures to dispose of state records, call 217-782-2647. To dispose of local government records, call 217-782-7075. You may also contact our office by mail, fax, or email.

Open Meetings Act (OMA) – Each Trustee

New trustees: Each elected or appointed member of a public body subject to OMA must complete the Public Access Counselor’s electronic training no later than the 90th day after taking the oath of office or otherwise assuming the responsibilities of the position.

Repeat annually? No. The individual trustee requirement is generally one-time per term. The trustee should provide the completion certificate to the library, and the library should retain it. 5 ILCS 120/1.05(b).

OMA – Designated Training Individual

Separate requirement: Every public body must designate employee(s), officer(s), or member(s) to receive OMA compliance training. Designated individuals complete annual training. A newly designated person must complete the electronic curriculum within 30 days after designation. 5 ILCS 120/1.05(a).

FOIA Officer Training

Not required of every trustee. Each public body designates one or more officials or employees as FOIA Officer(s). A newly designated FOIA Officer must complete the electronic curriculum within 30 days after assuming the position and complete annual training thereafter. 5 ILCS 140/3.5.

NARCAN Training

Not required of Everyone: Effective January 1, 2026, Public Act 104-0056 added Section 1-8 to the Illinois Local Library Act (75 ILCS 5/1-8), establishing requirements related to opioid antagonists in public libraries. Libraries must take reasonable steps to have at least one trained person present during operating hours who knows how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, including how to administer an opioid antagonist. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) supports Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) programs throughout Illinois. Participating organizations provide overdose-response education and training and may also distribute naloxone. Live4Lali, an Illinois nonprofit organization, also provides overdose-response education, naloxone training, and access to NARCAN® for Illinois organizations

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Required for employees. The Illinois Human Rights Act requires employers with employees working in Illinois to provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees at least once each year. Service as a library trustee, by itself, does not make the trustee an employee under this provision. A library may still encourage trustee participation as a governance best practice or require it under a local policy. 775 ILCS 5/2-109.

Library Acronyms & Abbreviations

Library work comes with its own vocabulary—and plenty of acronyms. This quick reference provides commonly used abbreviations that Illinois library trustees, directors, staff, and partners may encounter.

A

AACR2 — Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition
A former cataloging standard widely used by libraries before adopting RDA.

ABOS — Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services
National organization. RAILS helps promote ABOS activities and events.

AISLE —  Association of Illinois School Library Educators
A professional organization supporting school library professionals and programs throughout Illinois.

ALA— American Library Association
A national professional organization serving libraries, library workers, trustees, and library supporters.

APC — Area and Per Capita Grant
IHLS and RAILS submit an APC grant application to the Illinois State Library each year as specified in the Administrative Code Rules (23 ILAC 3035.100).

ARL — Association of Research Libraries

Membership organization of libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in the United States and Canada.

ARSL — Association for Rural and Small Libraries

ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.

ASIS&T — Association for Information Science and Technology

The Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) is the only professional association that bridges the gap between information science practice and research.

C

CARLI — Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois
A consortium supporting cooperation and resource sharing among Illinois academic and research libraries.

CMC — Cataloging Maintenance Center
An Illinois resource providing cataloging support, training, and services to libraries.

F

FOIA — Freedom of Information Act
Illinois law governing public access to records held by public bodies. For Illinois public libraries, this generally refers to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140.

I

IHLS — Illinois Heartland Library System
A regional library system serving public, school, academic, and special libraries in southern and parts of central Illinois.

ILA — Illinois Library
The statewide professional serving and supporting the Illinois library community.

ILDS — Illinois Library Delivery Services
The Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS) is managed by the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois, in cooperation with the Illinois State Library.

ILL — Interlibrary Loan
The process through which a library borrows materials from another library on behalf of its users.

ILLINET — Illinois Library and Information Network
The statewide network of libraries and library systems that supports resource sharing and cooperation among Illinois libraries.

IMLS — Institute of Museum and Library Services
A federal agency that supports libraries, archives, and museums in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

IPLAR — Illinois Public Library Annual Report
The annual report completed by Illinois public libraries to provide statistical, financial, service, and other information to the Illinois State Library.

iREAD — Illinois Reading Enrichment and Development
A summer reading program that provides themes, resources, and materials for libraries.

ISBE — Illinois State Board of Education
The state agency responsible for administering public education in Illinois.

ISL — Illinois State Library
A division of the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State that provides leadership, programs, grants, and support for libraries throughout Illinois.

ISLAC — Illinois State Library Advisory Committee
An advisory body that provides input and recommendations concerning library services and programs in Illinois.

L

L2 — Library Learning
Illinois’ statewide calendar and registration platform for library-related continuing education, meetings, and events.

LLSAP — Library-Level Shared Automation Program
Networks of libraries that share cataloging software, collections, and patron data, enabling seamless resource sharing and collaboration among member libraries

LSTA — Library Services and Technology Act
Federal legislation that funds library services and programs through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

O

OCLC — Online Computer Library Center
A nonprofit library cooperative that provides shared technology, research, cataloging, resource-sharing, and other services to libraries worldwide.

OMA — Open Meetings Act
Illinois law governing meetings of public bodies, including public library boards. In Illinois, OMA refers to the Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120.

OPAC — Online Public Access Catalog
An online catalog that allows users to search a library’s collection and, depending on the system, manage account functions. The term may sometimes be used interchangeably with PAC.

P

PAC — Public Access Catalog
A catalog interface that allows patrons to search a library’s collection. The term may sometimes be used interchangeably with OPAC.

PLA — Public Library
A division of the American Library Association focused on public libraries and public library professionals.

R

RAILS — Reaching Across Illinois Library System
A regional library system serving public, school, academic, and special libraries in northern and west-central Illinois.

RDA — Resource Description and Access
A cataloging standard that provides guidelines and instructions for describing library resources and creating metadata.

S

SHARE — Sharing Heartland’s Available Resources Equally
A multi-type library automation consortium serving libraries within the Illinois Heartland Library System.

T

TBBS — Talking Book and Braille Service
A program providing accessible reading materials and services to eligible individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have other qualifying print disabilities.