How do I get a library card?

Library cards are free to people who live within the city limits of Colchester, Illinois, but you will need to provide proof of your current address. Those who live outside Colchester city limits may use the library as well but have to pay a non-resident fee to check out library materials. A parent or guardian’s signature is required for patrons under the age of 16. Cardholders are responsible for items checked out and will be charged for lost or damaged materials. If your driver’s license or photo I.D. does not contain your current address, one of the following documents may be used, providing it shows your residential address:

• Utility bill (phone, water, gas, electric)
• Voter registration card
• Check book
• Bank statement
• Government check
• Paycheck
• Property tax receipt
• Housing rental contract of current residence
• Mortgage documents of current residence
• An official letter or document from a state or local government agency,
• which is on the agency’s letterhead or contains the official seal of the
• issuing agency.
• Letter or other documentation issued by the postmaster within the previous 30 days
• Other government document that contains the name and address of the applicant issued within the previous 30 days.

Why do I have to pay a non-resident fee to borrow library materials if I live outside city limits?

Residents of Colchester, Illinois, pay a library tax but those who live outside of the city limits do not. If you own property within city limits but live outside city limits, you may bring in your tax bill to prove that you pay library tax and then you do not have to pay a non-resident fee to use the library. Otherwise, non-residents are required to pay a fee to borrow materials. This fee can be paid yearly or broken up into smaller payments of every six months. A non-resident fee is $65 a year or $35 for six months (good for the whole household).

Does the library have overdue fines?

Yes. Items that are not returned or renewed on or before their due date begin to accrue fines at the rate of $0.05 per day per item. As soon as the item is returned, the overdue fines stop accruing and can be paid the next time the patron visits the library.

Does the library have overdue fines?

Yes. Items that are not returned or renewed on or before their due date begin to accrue fines at the rate of $0.05 per day per item. As soon as the item is returned, the overdue fines stop accruing and can be paid the next time the patron visits the library.

What can I do with my library card from home?

Through our website, you can access your account online where you can update your contact information, check due dates and renew most items, browse our catalog, place hold requests, request a title from another library through RSAcat.

You can download eBooks and eAudiobooks right to your device with your card.

What does it mean if my card is blocked?

Library cards are blocked if you have overdue fines or bills for lost or damaged books that exceed $5.00. A blocked card prevents you from borrowing library items or borrowing e-books. Once the bill is taken care of, your library privileges are restored. And yes, all libraries in our system share information. So, if you have a bill or are in poor standing with a library, that information is available to all libraries.