To get a library card, you must live within the Illinois Prairie District Public Library service area. Visit your local IPDPL branch to apply. More details about who is eligible for a card, what to bring when you apply for a card, and what to do if you do not live in the IPDPL service area are provided below.
Who can get a card?
Anyone who is at least 5 years old and who resides within the boundaries of the territory served by Illinois Prairie Library District may apply for a card. Children through grade eight will be issued juvenile cards. Upon graduation from grade eight, children will be issued adult cards.
(Please note: The map is only an approximation of library district boundaries.)
If you are unsure if you are eligible for an Illinois Prairie District Public Library card, please contact the library for assistance.
What do I need to get a card?
Adults wishing to register for a borrower’s card, renew an expired borrower’s card, or replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed borrower’s card at the Illinois Prairie District Public Library must show two forms of identification at least one of which bears a full name and current address showing that they live within the boundaries of the library district. These forms of identification include but are not limited to driver’s license, utility bills, mail, or voter’s registration card.
Applicants age 5 through 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who has a current photo ID and proof of address. Signature of parent or guardian accepting responsibility will be required for all card holders under 16 years of age, and parents or guardians will be held responsible for all delinquencies.
What if I lose my card or if it is stolen?
Notify the library by phone at (309) 921-5074 or in person at the library. Cardholders are responsible for all materials checked out on the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. There is a $1.00 fee to replace a non-expired card.
What is considered a valid library card?
A valid library card is one that has not expired and has a total of less than $5 in fines and fees pending. A library card that has expired cannot be used to borrow additional materials until it is renewed. A library card that is blocked because it has accrued $5 or more in fines and fees cannot be used to borrow additional materials until the amount due has been paid. Library cards are considered invalid if the cardholder moves outside of the library district.
When does my card expire?
Library cards expire three years from the day of issue. Library cards can only be renewed in person at an Illinois Prairie District Public Library branch.
I don’t live in the district. Can I still use a library within the district?
Anyone can use Illinois Prairie District Public Library resources (including computers and Wi-Fi) in the library building, even if you do not have a library card.
Even if you are not a resident of the district, you still may be able to check out materials here. We have an agreement with most area libraries that allows you to use your library card at Illinois Prairie District Public Library. You’ll need to get a card from your home library first and bring it along when you visit us. Some libraries choose not to be a part of our borrowing agreement. Feel free to call ahead and ask if your library is one of them.
Many resources available on our website can be used by anyone; some require that you have a Illinois Prairie District Public Library card and are noted as such.
The fee for a non-resident card is $174.20 (as of July 2023).