MISSION

Lewis & Clark Library System advances libraries in successfully serving the evolving needs of their communities.

VISION

As a catalyst, LCLS enables Illinois residents to benefit from seamless, quality library service.

Founded in 1966, the Lewis & Clark Library System (LCLS) is one of nine regional multitype Library Systems in Illinois, funded by grants from the Secretary of State’s office through funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. Each of the regional Library Systems offer a variety of services to the academic, public, school, and special libraries within a specific geographic region. Illinois Library Systems do not administer or govern library members–instead, our staff provide services to our membership. We work with many great partners to ensure seamless service for our membership.

The Lewis & Clark Library System’s territory covers 4,915 square miles in an eleven county area of southwestern Illinois. We serve communities in Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Sangamon, and St. Clair counties. The System headquarters is located in Edwardsville, IL, 20 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, we serve a population of 670,077.  As can be imagined, the population in the LCLS service area is quite diverse, as are the libraries that directly serve those populations.

The LCLS membership consists of 134 independently governed and administered academic, public, school, and special libraries, 60 of which fund and participate in the Local Library System Automation Project through a shared  integrated library system (GateNet).

We are governed by a nine-member Board of Directors composed of five public library trustees and four representatives from the academic, public, school, and special libraries in our service area. We also have a Librarians Advisory Council that works with the Executive Director to determine trends, recommend System  policy, and review membership standards.

VALUES

We value people, equity, access, collaboration, excellence, intellectual freedom, and diversity.

Lewis & Clark Library System: Possibilities