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The library will be closed Friday, March 29 & Sunday, March 31. The book drop will remain open.

GET A LIBRARY CARD

Getting your library card is the best way to access the wealth of information and resources available to you.


Apply for a temporary library card if you are unable to visit the library due to COVID-19.


DISTRICT 95 STUDENT ACCOUNTS


WHO CAN GET A FREE LIBRARY CARD?

The library is funded through City property tax dollars. If you live within the city of Carbondale, you “pay” for service through your taxes and are eligible to receive a free library card. Those who live outside city limits are eligible to purchase a nonresident card. Carbondale city limits can be confusing, so ask us if you are unsure about whether or not you live within them. See the Borrower’s Card Policy for specific exemptions and required documentation for income eligible students and and qualified veterans.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET MY LIBRARY CARD?

If you live in, or own property inside the Carbondale city limits:

  • A current (unexpired) photo ID
  • Proof of Carbondale address, such as:
    • a recent piece of mail addressed to you (not junk mail).
    • a bill in your name
  • Children (age 5 +): Bring in a parent or guardian with the above documents.

If you live outside of Carbondale city limits:

  • A current (unexpired) photo ID
  • Proof of address, such as:
    • a recent piece of mail addressed to you (not junk mail).
    • a bill in your name
  • Your lease or property tax bill (so we can calculate your payment). If you live in Jackson County we may be able to find your property tax bill online.
  • Method of payment (cash, check or credit card).
  • Children (age 5 +): Bring a parent or guardian with the above documents.

CAN I USE MY CARD FROM ANOTHER ILLINOIS LIBRARY?

You can use your library card from another library to check out up to five items at a time from Carbondale. You can place holds to be picked up in Carbondale, return items to any Illinois library, and attend our library programs. Restrictions may apply on other services.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A NON RESIDENT CARD

If you don’t live inside any library’s tax district, you don’t pay property taxes to any public library. According to Illinois law, to get a library card you can purchase a nonresident card from your closest public library. The cost is calculated according to your rent (if you rent) or your property tax bill (if you own). You’ll pay exactly what you would have paid in library taxes had your home been in the city limits. A nonresident card is good for one year. The annual payment covers cards for everyone in your household. Nonresident and resident cardholders have full access to library services.

A LIBRARY CARD IS A FANTASTIC VALUE.

  • Books: The average reader checks out 41 books (movies & other items) per year worth $934. Our biggest reader checks out 1,176 books/items per year worth $26,789!
  • Project Next Generation: Our technology classes for 5th- 8th graders, as compared to technology camps at SIU, are worth $199.
  • Creative Writing: Our writing workshops, taught by professional writers & MFA students, as compared to one writing class at John A. Logan or SIU are worth $291-$1,800.
  • Ancestry.com is accessible for free from the library. An individual annual subscription is worth $240.
  • Computer Help: Our technology classes and open help sessions for adults, as compared to a year of (virtual) Geek Squad Tech Support, are worth $120.

That’s $1,784 – $29,148 worth of library service per year, per individual, and those are just a few of our valuable services!

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