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Bethalto Public Library

Information for Participating Libraries

Welcome to the 2026 IHLS Library Crawl!

The Annual Library Crawl is a unique event organized by the Bethalto Public library on behalf of public libraries of Illinois Heartland Library System as a fun way to introduce your public library's patrons to the other libraries of the IHLS service area. Patrons visit area libraries throughout the month of the Crawl and get a passport stamp at each library they visit. Some patrons have tried to visit every library in the Crawl! The main purpose, though, is to help participants discover the many, many great resources available to them with their library cards. 

   

What do participating libraries need to do?

Your library's level of participation is completely up to you.

Basic Responsibilities

  • Publicizing your participation in this year's Library Crawl*
  • Printing passports for your patrons*
  • Welcoming visitors to your library and stamping their passport
        *Library Crawl organizers will provide the digital files for the passport, graphics, and promotional materials to use by September 2026. See examples of last year's files below.
 

Optional Activities

  • Participant freebies — Many libraries provide a small treat or gift to Crawl participants who visit their library. 
  • Challenge or contest for home library's patrons — Many libraries also create a small challenge or contest for their own patrons who participate in the crawl. For example, Bethalto Public Library has previously held drawings for a gift card or gift basket for eligible Bethalto patrons who visited five or more libraries.

   

How do I sign my library up to participate?

To participate in the 2026 Library Crawl, fill out the form with all of the data about your library. Deadline to register is Friday, May 29, 2026.

Library Crawl Registration Form

   

Questions?

Contact Mary Brewster at the Bethalto Public Library (618-377-8141) if you have further questions. 

  

Previous Year's Materials Provided by the Library Crawl Organizers

See below for examples of the materials provided to all participating libraries. The Passport should be used by all participating libraries. Other materials are provided for your convenience; however, libraries are welcome to create their own marketing materials.

2025 Library Crawl Materials

Printables

Marketing Materials

Sharable Links