Library District

The Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District currently serves a population of over 16,000 and covers an area of over 100 square miles. The district includes all of Hampshire Township, plus areas of Burlington, Plato and Rutland Townships.

Eligibility for Adults

To be eligible for a library card, a person must be a resident of the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District and be at least 5 years of age. Identification and proof of residency (such as a recent bill with your address on it) are required at the time a library card is issued.

Eligibility for Children

Children not yet 18 years of age (but over 5 years of age) must have the signature of a parent or guardian on their application. Before a child receives a library card, a parent or guardian of the child must come to the library and fill out the proper application for a library card. Proof of address is also required. A child may not receive a library card unless it is filled out by the parent or guardian and the child in the presence of a library staff member. No exceptions to this requirement will be made.

Non-Resident Fee

The Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library participates in the Illinois Non-Resident Library Card Program. Persons residing outside the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District and not entitled to the services of any tax-supported public library may purchase a library card. The non-resident card fee is determined using an acceptable formula as outlined by the Illinois State Library. This is an annual fee. The fee for a non-resident card is determined by applying the maximum tax rate of the district (.155%) to the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) of the applicant’s property. If the person applying for a library card rents the property in which he or she resides, the fee for the library card is determined by multiplying the monthly rent times 15%. A canceled check or rent receipt no older than three months old is required. Reciprocal borrowing privileges are extended according to State and System requirements. Persons who own taxable property within the library district but who do not reside in the library district are entitled to a non-resident card upon presentation of a current property tax bill. Only one card may be issued for each parcel of taxable property.

Using Your Card

Use of a library card is transferable among members of the same household for borrowing privileges except when the individual presenting another household member’s card has outstanding fines on their own card. All patrons, however, must use their own cards for Internet access. Your pin number is automatically set as the last four digits of your library card number.

Fines

Parents or guardians are financially responsible for all materials checked out on a child's card. A parent or guardian may be blocked from library use when a child for whom they are responsible has accrued $10.00 for lost or damaged  materials.

Expiration

As a general rule, all resident library cards expire three years from the date of issue and all non-resident library cards expire one year from the date of issue.