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.

Media are invited to attend a press conference about the shared catalog announcement at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 28 at the Mid-County Branch, 7821 Maryland Ave, in downtown Clayton. St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones will attend the event, along with Library Directors Kristen Sorth (SLCL) and Waller McGuire (SLPL).

To celebrate the new shared catalog, the library systems will unveil new library cards sponsored by the St. Louis Cardinals at the press conference. Fredbird will be on hand to take photos with fans.

This is a historic moment for the two library systems. The new ILS will allow patrons from both library systems to access nearly 5 million items, making 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," said County Executive Dr. Sam Page. "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," said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "This collaboration shows how government works best when we work together and think creatively."

Kristen Sorth, Director & CEO of St. Louis County Library said, "The continued regional collaboration between two fantastic library districts is getting stronger through a shared collection of library materials. Working closely together to address and remove barriers to library resources is important for the region and an excellent example of regional collaboration."

"SLPL is continuously looking for ways to better serve our customers," said Waller McGuire, Chief Executive Officer at SLPL. "This new partnership with St. Louis County Library is just another step toward providing our cardholders with more access and resources, opening up more doors and expanding more possibilities."

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.

St. Louis area residents have long enjoyed the benefits of two outstanding library systems. This most 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.