Library Cards

For our complete library card policy, please see our Library Policies page.

Who can get a library card?

The Arcola Public Library District is a district library, which means all residents who live inside our district are eligible for a free library card.

To register for a library card at the library, we ask that you bring:

  • A state or federally issued Photo ID. Some examples of a photo ID include a valid driver’s license, a state issued photo ID, a passport, a FOID card, or a military ID.
  • Proof of residency. Some examples of proof of residency include a lease, a property tax bill referencing the library, an electric or water bill, or a piece of mail.

Can I get a library card if I don’t live in the district?

You can purchase a non-resident Arcola Public Library District card if both of the following are true:

  1. You do not pay property taxes to any other library district AND
  2. The Arcola Public Library District is the closest library to your home.

Because you do not support the library with your property taxes, you will be asked to pay the same amount for your card as you would pay in taxes if you lived in the district. Please contact the library for the current rates.

To apply for a non-resident card, please bring the following to the library:

  • A state or federally issued Photo ID. Some examples of a photo ID include a valid driver’s license, a state issued photo ID, a passport, a FOID card, or a military ID.
  • Proof of residency. Some examples of proof of residency include a lease, a property tax bill referencing the library, an electric or water bill, or a piece of mail.

Where can I use my library card?

The Arcola Public Library District is a member of the Illinois Heartland Library System. You may use your Arcola library card at any of these IHLS libraries, just as you would use it at the Arcola Public Library District. You may also use your card online for access to eBooks and audiobooks, and online research tools.