Online Services
About the State Library
The Secretary of State serves as the State Librarian and oversees the State Library. The Illinois State Library supports the development and improvement of library services across the state, serves as the main reference and research library for state government, and works to ensure all Illinoisans have equal access to library services.
In addition to maintaining millions of books, maps, and historical items belonging to the State of Illinois, the State Library awards more than $50 million in grants annually to public, school, academic, and special libraries.
What We Have
- Over 5 million items
- 185,000+ maps of Illinois
- Multiple electronic databases and services
- Historic and modern documents about Illinois
- Literacy services
- Talking Book and Braille Services
- Online information resources
Department Resources
- Ask the State Library Get help, information, and answers to your questions from library staff.
- For Libraries Resources and support designed for libraries and their staff, focusing on grants, literacy programs, and resource sharing.
- For the Public Programs, services, and other offerings, ensuring public access to library resources.
- Visiting the State Library Plan your visit to the library.
- Grant Programs Information on funding opportunities for libraries across Illinois.
- Illinois Center for the Book An initiative that promotes literature and reading in Illinois.
- Illinois Digital Archives A collection of digital resources, including historical documents accessible online.
- Illinois Veterans History Project Share or learn about the experiences of Illinois veterans through oral histories, letters, and photos.
- L2 Library Directory and Learning Calendar A schedule of training events and learning opportunities for library staffers in Illinois.
- Literacy Initiatives Programs to improve literacy skills among residents, including adult education and children's reading programs.
- Talking Book and Braille Service Services that provide reading materials for individuals with visual impairments, including audiobooks and Braille resources.
- Annual Report A summary of the library’s activities, accomplishments, and challenges from the past year.
- Committees and Advisory Boards Learn about the groups that guide library policies and initiatives.
- Library Laws and Administrative Rules Legal guidelines that govern library operations in Illinois.
- Meeting Rooms Information on library space available for public use or meetings, including how to reserve it.
- Policies and Guidelines for Library Use Discover how to access and utilize the library’s resources and facilities.
- Publications and Forms Publications and forms that you may need for various library services.
- History of the State Library Learn about the library's development and important milestones in its history.
- For State Employees Library information and services available exclusively to state employees.
Additional Resources
- Web Accessibility Statement to comply with the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act.
- BanBookBans.com Visit this site to support the fight against book bans.