Educational Stakeholders Rally to Strengthen Illinois School Libraries

EDWARDSVILLE — Illinois’ two regional library systems are hosting a virtual event on Jan. 20, 2026, aimed at strengthening school libraries amid ongoing budget and staffing challenges.

The Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) will bring together school library educators, administrators, district leaders, and school board members to discuss how libraries can better support student achievement.

The School Library Education Exchange will be held in two sessions via Zoom, from 3 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Participants will explore existing services and potential new collaborations between libraries and schools.

Click here to sign up for the Zoom meeting.

The event also offers an opportunity for library system staff to gather feedback from education stakeholders on how statewide services can enhance student literacy and school library resources.

“The research is clear: Strong school libraries boost student achievement across every subject area,” said Carol Hogan-Downey, communications administrator for IHLS. “Yet many Illinois schools face shrinking budgets, staffing shortages, and competing priorities that make it challenging to build and sustain these essential spaces.”

IHLS serves public, school, academic, and special libraries across southern and parts of central Illinois. The system provides services such as interlibrary loan delivery, automated lending, e-resources, and continuing education for librarians.

By connecting diverse library communities, IHLS aims to empower members to provide timely access to information and resources.

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