WHO CAN GET A CARD?
The library is tax-supported by the residents who live in the library district. Check your St. Clair County Real Estate Tax bill. If Freeburg Area Library District is listed as a ‘Taxing Body’ under ‘Distribution’, then you are eligible for a library card.
If you do not live in the library district, please see below Non-Resident Fees or Reciprocal Borrowers, or Business Owner.
IF YOU LIVE WITHIN THE LIBRARY DISTRICT
Adults (ages 18+):
1. A valid and current picture ID such a state driver’s license, state ID, military ID, Veteran’s Administraton ID, passport, etc.
(Not acceptable: Social Security card, bank checks, credit card, business card, traffic citation, any commercially produced card, etc.)
2. The proof of residence must include your name and current address within the library district. Acceptable proof of residence can be mail postmarked no later than 30 days. This can include a rent agreement, property tax bill, utility bill, current vehicle insurance card, closing papers on purchased property.
(Not acceptable: any item that can changed such as a rent receipt, personal check; items that are not current; items that do not contain you legal name or the street address located within the library district.)
Children (ages 5-17) living with a parent or legal guardian:
NOTE: A legal guardian must show legal proof of guardianship.
1. The parent / legal guardian must first obtain a library card for their personal use.
2. The registration card must be filled out by the parent / legal guardian.
NON-RESIDENT FEES – For those who do not live in the library district, but live within the boundaries of Freeburg Community High School District #77:
Non-resident library cards are available for purchase on a yearly basis. One fee includes the family members who live at the same address.
The amount is based on the yearly per capita.
RECIPROCAL BORROWERS – For those who have an Illinois library card but are not part of the Illinois Heartland Library System
Bring in your current Illinois library card to check out items from the Freeburg Area Library. A Freeburg Library barcode will be added to your library card so you are able to check out items.
The first time you come to the library, library staff must verify your good standing by calling your home library. If the home library is closed, the card cannot be processed at that time.
BUSINESS OWNERS – For those who do not have a Freeburg Library card but own a business within the library district boundaries.
Only one card is issued to one of the owners. Items may be borrowed that pertain to your business. No family members are allowed to use the library card.
1. A valid and current picture ID such a state driver’s license, state ID, military ID, Veteran’s Administraton ID, passport, etc.
(Not acceptable: Social Security card, credit card, business card, traffic citation, any commercially produced card, etc.)
2. The proof of residence must include your name and current address within the library district. Acceptable proof of residence can be mail postmarked no later than 30 days, rent agreement, property tax bill, utility bill, current vehicle insurance card, closing papers on purchased property.
BORROWING ITEMS
Most of the library’s materials can be checked out for two weeks.
Freeburg Area Library card holders may check out ten items at one time. Reciprocal borrowers may check out five items at one time.
All family member library cards must be in good standing and clear of any fines or other charges.
PLACING HOLDS – For those who have Freeburg Library Cards
Stop in at the Circulation Desk to place up to five holds in person or you can call the library during regular business hours.
OR
Access IPAC, an on-line catalog, to search for items that are of interest to you. A search box is located on the home page of this website.
NOTE: Most Illinois public libraries have an agreement that you place holds ONLY at your home library. Why? If you do not return the item, your home library has to pay the replacement costs to the owning library. Your home library must then charge your account for reimbursement.
RENEWING YOUR BORROWED ITEMS
You are able to renew an item one time by phone or in person if no one else is waiting for that item.
Magazines are usually the only item that cannot be renewed.
LIBRARY FINES
NOTE: Why does the library charge overdue fines? The item you checked out is not yours to keep indefinitely. Others may be waiting to check that item out. There will be a daily charge on each item that is overdue. There is no charge on holidays or other days that the library is closed.