LIBRARY CARDS POLICY
Without fee
Residents of the Village of LaGrange are entitled to a library card upon showing proof of residence. Signature of parent or guardian is required to obtain a card for children under 18 years. The card is also honored in any library of the Metropolitan Library System and most Illinois public libraries.
With fee
QUESTION: Why pay for a library card?
ANSWER: Everyone "pays" for a card. Residents are charged on their tax bill and non-residents pay an equal amount averaging what a resident pays. Residents have no choice. Non-residents always have a choice.
QUESTION: My mailing address shows LaGrange. Why charge me as a non-resident?
ANSWER: In this area, your mailing address showing "LaGrange" does not always mean you reside within the Village of LaGrange boundaries. There are several areas not served by a public library that have a LaGrange mail address.
What is PL92-0166?
Illinois Public Law 92-0166 provides that all non-resident library cardholders have reciprocal borrowing privileges in participating libraries. This means that your LaGrange Library card will no longer be a local card only, but may be used in any participating library in Illinois. The law further stipulates that "a person residing outside of a public library service area must apply for a non-resident card at the public library located closest to the person's principal residence.
Why was this law needed?
To provide a person living in an area without tax-supported public library service with an opportunity to acquire a library card and be afforded all the services as those provided to residents from the issuing library, including reciprocal borrowing privileges.
How do I know which library is closest to my home?
The "closest public library" is currently defined as "a participating public library that serves a portion of the township or school district where the non-resident resides." As of September 1, 2002 you will find a list of participating libraries on the Metropolitan Library System web site.
What if the library closest to my home does not participate?
Each locally elected or appointed Board of Library Trustees decides this for the library. Nothing requires any public library to participate in the non-resident reciprocal borrowing program of the regional library system. Call any library to find out your closest participating library or visit the MLS Web site.
How much will it cost to purchase a non-resident card?
The fee at the LaGrange Public Library is currently $309 as approved by the Library Board of Trustees on June 19, 2007. What is the expiration date of my card? Your non-resident library card is valid for one year. With this card you will be entitled to the same privileges as a LaGrange resident, including reciprocal borrowing.
If you lose a card
Report the loss of a card as soon as possible. You are responsible for all material checked out on your card until it is reported lost. Cardholders may access their library records through the computer catalogue terminals in the library. Reserves Materials may be reserved by LaGrange cardholders; you are called when your item is available for pick up.