St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library have launched a shared integrated library system (ILS), providing library cardholders access to nearly 5 million items 

The system will make accessing library materials more convenient and accessible for both St. Louis County and city residents to check out. Patrons across the region will be able to seamlessly view, request, receive and check out material from either system. 

Using the shared catalog, patrons can discover materials from either library system through a single search and have them delivered to their library of choice. Patrons will be able to use their current library card to access items from both systems — they will not need to obtain a new library card. 

“Increasing access to these valuable resources will be a tremendous benefit to users of both library systems,” County Executive Sam Page said. “Libraries unleash imaginations by linking us with a sea of information. And, working together, our libraries are providing more opportunities for our children and for the young at heart.”

“Our public libraries bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, and this new system will connect residents across the region to even more resources,” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said. “This collaboration shows how government works best when we work together and think creatively.”

 SLCL and SLPL have regularly collaborated on projects to increase access to library programs and services. Including:

• Eliminating overdue fines in 2020, removing a significant barrier for many patrons.
• Providing scholarships for adult learners to complete their high school diploma and earn a career certificate through the launch of the Career Online High School program in 2017.
• Introducing Wi-fi hotspots for patron check out to help address the region’s digital divide.
• Offering a reciprocal lending agreement for city and county residents for 28 years.

This recent collaboration opens up even greater opportunities for the two library systems to work together in the future. 

To learn more about SLCL visit www.slcl.org. To learn more about SLPL visit www.slpl.org.