Your Library Card
Getting a card, borrowing limits, renewing materials, overdue fees.
Who can get a card
Any resident of Litchfield CUSD #12 is eligible for a three year library card. Applications must prove residency within the LCUSD #12 by providing a photo ID and one other identification which show the resident's address.
Accepted forms of photo ID are: drivers license, work / student ID, membership card, and FOID card. Other forms of ID may be accepted, per staff discretion.
Accepted forms of ID are: utility bills, credit card or bank statements, leases, computer generated mail to a physical address (we cannot issue a library card to a PO Box address).
The Library issues "family cards" where one card allows all members of the family residing at the card's address to use the same card.
Non-resident Fees
For those who live outside the Library's service area (Litchfield school district), there is an annual fee to use the Library. This fee will allow all family members who reside at the address listed on the application to use the Library's services. The fee is determined annually by the Board of Trustees, using a mathematic formula created by the Illinois State Library and changes every fiscal year.
Per Illinois State Statutes, residents who live outside the library district's boundaries must purchase a library card at the library that is located closer to them or that is within the school district in which they reside.
More information on non-resident fees can be found here .
Reciprocal Borrowers
Anyone with a current and valid Illinois public library card may use that card at the Litchfield Public Library via the reciprocal borrowing agreement of all Illinois public libraries. Reciprocal borrowers must have the card in their possession at the time of application, and Library staff must call the home library to verify standing of the individual.
In addition, anyone with a Litchfield Library card may use that card at any participating reciprocal borrowing Illinois library.
How to Get Your Card
To apply for a library card, you must present two forms of identification. One of these must be a photo ID and one of them must show a current mailing address. All new library card applicants must complete a probationary period before they are allowed access to all library services.
Borrowing Limits
Once the probationary period has been successfully completed, a patron is eligible to borrow materials directly from the Litchfield Library and through inter-library loan. There is a limit of five inter-library loan materials per family, and three DVDs per family. There is no limit on the number of books checked out.
Renewing Your Borrowed Items
Most library items can be renewed for an additional two week loan period. Exceptions are: DVDs and items that have a reserve list on them. These items cannot be renewed. Inter-library loan items may not be renewed.
Library Fines
The fines for overdue all books, audiobooks, and magazines are 10 cents per day.
The fines for overdue DVDs are $2.00 per day.
The fines for inter-library loan materials are 25 cents per day.