I. Library Card Registrants
Upon registration, the Town and Country Public Library District cardholder agrees to abide by all district policies.
II. Library Cards
Residents who live or own property in the Town & Country Public Library District are entitled to a Library card. To obtain a Town and Country Public Library card, residents will need to bring two forms of identification to the Circulation Desk. One ID must have the resident’s name and current address. Children under 18 must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian. With the exception for qualifying students within the Cards for Kids Act, children must be at least 5 years old to obtain a Library card. Acceptable forms of ID include the following:
Photo ID: driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or U.S. passport
Proof of Residency: current utility bill, real estate tax bill, rental agreement or lease, current credit card bill, or other legal document showing your name and current address
III. Non-District Resident Library Card (Fee Card)
Patrons not living within the Town and Country Public Library District may purchase a one-year library card at the participating public library located closest to the person’s principal residence. The cost of the non-resident fee card is calculated using the tax bill method. The library’s tax rate is multiplied by the valuation of the non-resident’s property assessment to determine the non-resident card fee. The non-resident must present their most recent tax bill so that this method can be applied. Non-resident renters will be charged 15% of the renter’s monthly rent and should bring a copy of their rental agreement. Additional cards for family members in the same residence may be obtained at no additional charge.
IV. Cards For Kids Act
The Illinois Cards for Kids Act allows qualifying students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade who participate in the Federal Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program to obtain a library card free of charge, even if their primary residence is not located within the public library service area. To be issued a card at the library, students will need to present their letters of free and reduced lunch eligibility that they receive each year from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Cards covered by this Act will only be registered in a student’s name. Library staff will review and process each application.
V. Cards For U.S. Veterans
U.S. Veterans may receive a library card free of charge for their primary residence if they meet the following criteria:
They have a service-connected disability of at least 70%
They are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence
They live in a qualified unincorporated area.
This card is applicable to anyone in the veteran’s household. To be issued a card at the library, veterans will need to bring a driver’s license with ‘Veteran’ designation, an officially recognized veteran or military identification card, or an official DD214 form to the library. If the veteran is unable to travel to the library, Outreach librarians will go to them.
VI. Overdue and Billed Items
Town and Country Public Library is fine free. Fines are not assessed by the library, but patrons are responsible for lost or damaged items, and items still retain a due date. As a courtesy, the Town and Country Public Library District will notify patrons when an item is overdue as follows:
Overdue notices are sent at 7 and 21 days overdue.
Patron record is BLOCKED if any item is 14 days overdue.
Items are billed at 42 days overdue. Patron record remains BLOCKED until bill is resolved.
VII. Lost, Damaged, and Incomplete Items
Patrons are expected to pay for materials they lose or damage beyond repair. At the time an item is reported lost or damaged, payment will be required. If the patron locates an item after payment has been made or after the item has been reordered, no refund will be made. The Library will charge the patron the replacement cost of each lost or damaged item. If an item cannot be replaced, either the cover price or a default cost will be charged. If the lost or damaged material belongs to another library, the patron will be charged all costs billed by that library.