Six Mile Regional Library District

What Six Mile Regional Library District does

Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD) is a public library district organized under Illinois law (75 ILCS 16/), serving the residents of Granite City, Mitchell, Pontoon Beach, and certain Arlington addresses in Madison County, Illinois. Founded in 1912 and renamed in 2003 after converting from a municipal library to a district in 1990, SMRLD operates two physical branches — the historic 1929 Niedringhaus Building at 2001 Delmar Avenue (renovated for $4.2 million in 2014) and the Johnson Road branch opened in 1988 — plus an outdoor StoryWalk at Worthen Park, homebound delivery, and a bookmobile service being revived in 2024 after operating from 1952 to 1995. A seven-member elected Board of Trustees governs the district, with executive leadership provided by Tina Hubert (Executive Director since 2010).

SMRLD's technology foundation is a layered ecosystem of third-party platforms rather than proprietary systems: a Polaris-based Integrated Library System shared across the Illinois Heartland Library System (344 libraries, 10+ million items), the Rolling Prairie Digital Consortium for OverDrive/Libby digital lending, plus Hoopla, CloudLibrary, BiblioBoard, and Unite for Literacy. The SHARE Mobile Library App, launched in 2022 on the Solus platform, is the consumer-facing mobile entry point. Service breadth has expanded well beyond lending into early literacy (Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, S.T.E.A.M. kits), workforce development (Zenbooth interview pod, job search kits, training funded by a $50K 2022 LSTA grant), government services (passport acceptance since 2018, license plate renewals since 2020, notary, test proctoring), and community health partnerships (Chestnut Health Systems, Eye Thrive).

The business model is a hybrid public-funding structure typical of Illinois library districts. The primary operating revenue stream is a dedicated property tax levy through a special revenue tax fund, supplemented by Illinois State Library and federal LSTA grants, an annual $160 non-resident card fee, donations and memorials (including a 2020 Helen Kuenstler endowment), and small transactional fees from passport processing, hunting/fishing licenses, and license plate sticker sales. Core library services are free to district residents, the district is fine-free, and the go-to-market motion is direct-to-consumer via free library cards, schools, community events, social media, and word-of-mouth.

Name

Six Mile Regional Library District

Legal name

Six Mile Regional Library District

Website

https://smrld.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1912

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Six Mile Regional Library District is a tax-funded public library district serving Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach, Illinois, with two branches, a 344-library consortium catalog, digital lending apps, early literacy and workforce programs, and government services like passport processing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library lending
• Digital library resources
• Early literacy programs
• Government services center

Headquarters

HQ city

Granite City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: Primary operating revenue derived from a special revenue tax fund set up for the purpose of maintaining a library for residents. Most operating revenue comes from property taxes.
2. State and Federal Grants: Funding from Illinois State Library through Library Services and Technology Act grants, pandemic recovery grants, and public library construction grants.
3. Non-Resident Library Cards: Annual non-resident card fee of $160 for persons living outside the library district.
4. Donations and Memorials: Donations help fund materials purchases, technology upgrades, and special programs including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library sponsorship.
5. Passport Processing Services: Library serves as a Passport Acceptance Facility processing passport applications for the US Department of State.
6. License Plate Renewal: Library sells Illinois license plate renewal stickers on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
7. Tax Preparation Services: Tax preparation services offered in cooperation with the Gateway EITC Community Coalition.
8. Fishing and Hunting Licenses: Library sells fishing and hunting licenses on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Six Mile Regional Library District is a public library district providing free physical and digital library lending, early childhood literacy programs, workforce development resources, and ancillary government services (passport processing, notary, license plate renewal, fishing/hunting licenses, tax preparation) to residents of Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach, Illinois. The district operates two physical branches plus a planned bookmobile, and offers 24/7 digital access through OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla, CloudLibrary, the SHARE Mobile Library App, and other technology platforms.

Product overview

Six Mile Regional Library District (SMRLD) is a public library district serving Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach, Illinois (ZIP 62040) with two physical locations and a digital branch. The district operates a unified library services platform combining traditional physical lending with extensive digital resources. Core offerings include: physical library lending (books, DVDs, CDs, video games) through the Illinois Heartland Library System consortium providing access to 10+ million items; multiple digital lending platforms (OverDrive/Libby, Hoopla Digital, CloudLibrary, BiblioBoard Library); early literacy programs (Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, StoryWalk at Worthen Park); reading engagement tools (Beanstack Challenges, NoveList Plus, Wowbrary Newsletter); community programs (SMRLD Bookmobile, Seed Library, Teen Advisory Group, Friends of the Library); workforce development services (Job Search Resources with Zenbooth pod, computer kits, training sessions); and essential government services (passport processing, notary, test proctoring, license plate renewal). The SHARE Mobile Library App (built on Solus platform) serves as the mobile gateway to all services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SHARE Mobile Library App: A mobile app created with the Solus library app platform that allows users to browse new books, search digital content, place holds, renew items, and access book recommendations.
• StoryWalk at Worthen Park

Products and services

• Library Lending Services Traditional library lending of physical materials including books, periodicals, kits, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, and video games. SMRLD is a fine-free library with access to over 10 million items from 344 libraries in Southern Illinois through the Illinois Heartland Library System consortium. Available to all district residents through a free library card.
• SHARE Mobile Library App Mobile application for the SHARE library consortium built on the Solus library app platform. Enables users to browse new books, search digital content, place holds, renew items, view recommendations, manage multiple family accounts, track school library due dates at participating schools, and locate nearby SHARE-member public libraries. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
• OverDrive/Libby Digital Lending Digital lending platform providing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines accessible through the Libby mobile app or OverDrive website. Part of the Rolling Prairie Digital Consortium. Materials borrow like regular library items with no overdue fees.
• Hoopla Digital Streaming and on-demand digital media platform offering ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and television series. Allows up to 10 borrows per month with no waiting and no late fees. Supports Alexa voice integration and multiple device platforms including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and Roku.
• CloudLibrary Digital lending platform for ebooks and eaudiobooks integrated with Polaris ILS. Users select Illinois Heartland Library System as their library. Available via mobile apps and web reading through yourcloudlibrary.com.
• BiblioBoard Library Self-service ebook platform featuring local indie authors and top indie ebooks reviewed by Library Journal. No hold lists or login required. Offers mysteries, romances, science fiction, memoirs, and more.
• Unite for Literacy Digital Books Early reader digital books with voice-over narration. Books available in English and Spanish with narration in approximately 30 other languages. Includes Family Guides and Early Readers Rotating Collection with local content curated for the Six Mile Regional Library District.
• Beanstack Reading Challenges Reading challenge and tracking platform for Summer and Winter Reading Challenges. Available via web portal (smrld.beanstack.com) and Beanstack Tracker mobile app. Users register, log reading activities, earn badges and points, and may win prizes.
• NoveList Plus Readers' advisory database helping users discover books based on author names or titles. Provides read-alikes based on characters, genres, tone, and writing style. Also available: NoveList K-8 Plus for children's literature.
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Early childhood literacy program in partnership with the Granite City Area Community Foundation (GCACF) for ZIP code 62040. Mails high-quality, age-appropriate books monthly to registered children from birth to age five. A $125 donation sponsors a child from birth until their 5th birthday (1 book per month).
• StoryWalk at Worthen Park Outdoor literacy program featuring 20 stations along a walking trail displaying pages from children's picture books. Created in partnership with Granite City Park District. Located at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive. Free activity available during park open hours. Monthly sponsorship available for $75.
• SMRLD Bookmobile Mobile library service planned to serve Granite City, Mitchell, and Pontoon Beach. Will make scheduled stops at schools, parks, neighborhoods, and community events. Previously operated from approximately 1952 to 1995.
• Passport Services U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility processing passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Available since 2018.
• Notary Services Notary public services available at library locations for document notarization.
• Test Proctoring Proctoring service for standardized tests and examinations. Patrons can schedule test sessions at the library.
• License Plate Renewal Service SMRLD sells Illinois license plate renewal stickers at library locations on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• Fishing and Hunting License Sales SMRLD sells fishing and hunting licenses on behalf of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• Tax Preparation Services Tax preparation services offered in cooperation with the Gateway EITC Community Coalition to help community members claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• 3D Printing Service Public 3D printing service available at library locations for patrons to create physical objects from digital designs.
• Seed Library Seed lending program for local gardeners established in 2024. Provides seeds to community members for planting.
• Building a Job Ready Workforce Program Comprehensive workforce development resources including circulating Job Search Computer Kits, a Zenbooth noise-reducing office pod for virtual interviews, Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator, Winway Resume Building Software, and ongoing job search training sessions. Funded by a $50,000 Illinois State Library Bouncing Back from the Pandemic grant.
• Online Research Databases Collection of licensed research databases including EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, Biography Reference Center, Consumer Health Complete, Consumer Reports, Auto Repair Source), NewsBank newspaper archives, Data Axle Reference Solutions, Ancestry Library Edition, AtoZdatabases, Chilton Auto Repair, ABCmouse.com, and Digital Public Library of America. Most require library card for remote access.
• SMRLD on Burbio Event aggregation service providing a personalized event feed combining SMRLD events with school, library, government, and community calendars. Available via web, iOS App, and Android App. Users can follow favorite calendars and receive notifications when events change.
• Local History Resources Digital local history resources including Granite City Press-Record Archives (1903-2012), digitized Granite City High School yearbooks, Six Miles of Local History website with articles, video, audio, and cemetery records. Also links to Madison County Historical Society and Old Six Mile Museum.
• Homebound Delivery Service Library materials delivery service for homebound patrons who cannot visit the library in person.
• 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Early literacy program encouraging families to read 1,000 books to children before kindergarten. Incentives include stickers at every 100 books, a free book at 500 books, and a free book plus backpack at 1000 books. Registration available at library locations or online.
• Printing, Copying, Scanning, and Fax Services Public use of printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Patrons can also print from home or mobile devices.
• Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Volunteer program for teens ages 13-17 to help improve library services. Members earn community service hours, suggest materials, plan programs, and participate in teen-exclusive events.
• Friends of the Library Volunteer support organization founded in 1983. Organizes annual Book Fair/Sale, provides funding for Summer Reading Program and library equipment, sponsors author appearances and book signings. Membership includes newsletters, preview night access, and free admission to book sales.
• Wowbrary Newsletter Free weekly email newsletter featuring new books, movies, music, and other library acquisitions. Available through wowbrary.org with library code 5383.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free books for children birth to age 5 through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library partnership

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration20 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Granite City Park DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership to create the StoryWalk at Worthen Park, 2599 Parkview Drive. The StoryWalk is an innovative outdoor reading trail combining nature and physical activity with literacy. Construction was funded with a Public Library Per Capita Grant from the Illinois State Library.
• Madison County Alliance for Children and FamiliesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership for Motherhood Support Groups. An Alliance member or library staff facilitates discussion as part of the community support program.
• Chestnut Health SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Mobile health unit visits the library every 4th Wednesday providing health care for babies, kids, and adults, plus referrals for substance use or mental health concerns.
• Granite City School District #9coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Intergovernmental agreement signed in 2021 to supply library cards to teachers living outside the library district at no cost.
• Gateway EITC Community CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership for tax preparation services to help community members claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Illinois Heartland Library SystemcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2011Illinois Heartland Library System formed in 2011, consolidating system services for southern Illinois from four systems into one. SMRLD migrated to new automation catalog with 427 libraries in 2013. Library uses Illinois Heartland for CloudLibrary and catalog access.
• Granite City Area Community Foundation (GCACF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with GCACF to fund Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in zip code 62040. The program is funded 50% by the generous community and 50% by the State of Illinois. Donations for the program are payable to GCACF Fund with notation for SMRLD Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
• Rolling Prairie Digital ConsortiumcoreTechnology or IntegrationSMRLD participates in the Rolling Prairie Digital Consortium for OverDrive/Libby digital content. Users access the collection through the consortium's digital platform.
• OverDrive/LibbycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital lending platform for ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines available 24/7 through the Libby app or OverDrive website.
• HooplacoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital content platform allowing patrons to instantly borrow up to 10 eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and television series with no waiting and no late fees.
• CloudLibrarycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-book and e-audiobook lending platform through Illinois Heartland Library System. Patrons select 'Illinois Heartland Library System' as their library.
• Solus (SHARE Mobile Library App)coreTechnology or IntegrationSolus library app platform used to create the SHARE Mobile Library app for the consortium, allowing users to browse, search, place holds, renew items, and access recommendations.
• Eye ThriveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEye care mobile unit provides free eye exams for children ages 4-18 at the library, including comprehensive exams and prescription glasses.
• ARC Angels FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health program for tweens/teens (Grades 5-12) focusing on building confidence, resilience, and real world readiness during life transitions.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bethalto Public Library District: Neighboring small Illinois public library district serving a comparable Madison County-area municipality; structurally similar in tax funding model, scale, and consortium membership in Illinois library systems.
• Highland Public Library: Small Illinois public library serving a similarly-sized community in the Metro East region; comparable tax-base funding model and Illinois Heartland/Rolling Prairie consortium participation.
• Edwardsville Public Library: Adjacent Madison County-area public library of similar scale; comparable Illinois public library operating model, digital lending stack, and community programming emphasis.
• Decatur Public Library: Mid-sized Illinois public library in a comparable post-industrial community; similar tax-funded operating model, broad community programming, and Illinois library system membership.
• Peoria Public Library: Larger Illinois municipal public library operating under a similar tax-funded, multi-branch model with comparable workforce development and digital lending programs; relevant for scaling benchmarks.

Regional players

• St. Louis County Library: Large regional public library system directly across the Mississippi River from Granite City; serves a comparable demographic across the state border and offers overlapping digital lending and community programming.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Library: The largest public library system in Illinois and one of the largest in the U.S.; a broad incumbent operating across an entire major city with overlapping digital lending, workforce development, and community service programming.

Others

• Illinois Heartland Library System: Regional library system that consolidates services for 344 member libraries in southern Illinois and provides SMRLD's ILS, catalog, and CloudLibrary infrastructure; an ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.
• OverDrive (Libby): Digital lending platform vendor that powers SMRLD's e-book, audiobook, and magazine lending through the Rolling Prairie Digital Consortium; an enabling technology provider rather than a direct peer.
• Hoopla Digital: On-demand digital media platform integrated with SMRLD's offerings (e-books, audiobooks, streaming, comics, music); an infrastructure/enabling vendor rather than a comparable service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/smrld
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2AVXe5MNp8xhaqEecd5AvA
• Facebookfacebook.com/smrld.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/smrld_62040
• Pinterestpinterest.com/smrld
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/six-mile-regional-library-district

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Six Mile Regional Library District