Illinois State Library

The Illinois State Library is the principal information resource for state government. The library has a collection of more than 5 million items and subscribes to numerous electronic databases and services that allow patrons access to thousands of additional resources. The State Library serves as regional federal documents depository, maintains an authoritative collection of historic and contemporary Illinois documents, and houses more than 185,000 maps.

The State Library provides support, through grant programs, to over 3,370 public, academic, school, and special libraries throughout Illinois that together comprise the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). These grant programs are used to expand library services, enhance technology, build and renovate libraries, as well as provide support for the statewide delivery service for library materials. Basic adult literacy instruction is provided through grant programs administered through the State Library's Literacy Office. Additionally, the Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) serves the needs of the visually impaired through support of the activities of the Illinois Network of Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped.