Getting a Library Card
Patrons may apply for a library card online or in person. For full library privileges, a patron must provide:
Name, contact information, and birthdate
Picture ID with current address or additional address verification.
Patrons without necessary documents to verify identity and address may apply for a Digital Resources Only card to immediately use online resources.
Patrons who register for a card online will have a library card mailed to them. For full borrowing privileges, the patron must provide the above information, in person.
Parents or legal guardians must provide picture ID with current address or additional address verification when registering juvenile patrons.
Educators at schools and educational institutions as well as home school parents may apply for a teacher card to receive an initial extended check out period for classroom-use materials.
Patrons who have difficulty physically visiting the library can request a homebound designation for their library card to receive a longer checkout period.
Schools and organizations may apply for an institutional library card. The institution agrees to abide by the policies of the Library and assume responsibility for any physical materials borrowed as well as appropriate usage of online resources.
First library cards are free. Replacement cards cost $1.00.
Patrons may request the Champaign County Library retain their personal loan history with the understanding these records are governed by the Policy for Securing Confidential Personal Information and the Confidentiality of Circulation Records Policy. (See Section 2.10)
Upon issuance of a library card, the patron agrees to abide by the library’s policies. Failure to do so may result in suspension of borrowing privileges.
Borrowing Policies
Patrons should bring their library card or photo ID to check out items.
Patrons are permitted up to 50 items checked out on their account at any given time. All materials, excluding entertainment DVDs, check out for 14 days.
Entertainment DVDs check out for 7 days.
Juvenile patrons can check out all library materials except DVDs.
Teachers may check out items for classroom use for 28 days and can be renewed twice for an additional 14 days per renewal. Items for personal use may not be borrowed as part of a teacher’s collection.
Items checked out on a homebound or institution account will be due in 42 days and can be renewed once for an additional 14 days.
Holiday items check out for 14 days and cannot be renewed.
1. Renewals
Items may be renewed up to 3 times provided no hold has been placed on an item. Certain holiday items cannot be renewed due to popularity and/or limited supply.
Renewals may be made in person, online or over the phone (except interlibrary loan items).
2. Holds
Patrons may place holds on items in order to be notified when they are available for pickup.
Items on Hold will be held for three days after the patron has been notified. If the item is not checked out within that holding period, the item will be passed on to the next patron.
3. Account Status
To check out materials, patrons must have a current library card in good standing.
For an account to be in good standing, the account balance must be at or below $5.00 and not have more than one item overdue.
The library does not charge fines for overdue items; however, patrons agree to accept financial responsibility for materials for the duration of the checkout period, including failure to return the materials, and any damage incurred through abuse or misuse. If an item is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use while checked out, the patron is responsible for the cost of the item.
Parents/Guardians are responsible for any items checked out on a juvenile card. The Library provides a drive-up materials return drop for patron convenience.
Patrons will be notified of overdue materials according to the following procedures:
Patrons who have opted in for email notifications receive an email message 24 hours before items become due.
Patrons receive a written or email notice of overdue material two weeks after items were due.
Patrons receive a final written or email notice of overdue material four weeks after items were due.
Library staff contact patrons by phone six weeks after the items were due.
Unreturned items are charged to the patron account three months after items were due and a lost item invoice will be mailed to the patron.
There will be $1.00 notification fee charge for each mailed notice. Any check returned by the bank will incur a $25.00 service charge.
The Library may use any means, including law enforcement and court systems, to collect the amount owed for materials not returned to the library collection.
4. Damaged and Lost Items
There is no charge for normal wear and tear or minor damage that does not affect an item’s usefulness.
If an item is damaged beyond its use, the price from the item record will be charged to the patron’s account. After charges have been paid, patrons may keep damaged items.
Damage may include pest infestations; persistent pest-related issues could result in suspension of library privileges until the issue has been resolved.
If the patron believes an item has been returned, library staff will search the library shelves and ask the patron to continue to look for the item. If the item is not found after careful searches, the patron may choose to from the following options:
Request a “Claims Returned” status be placed on the item
Assume payment for the cost of the item.
Patrons may choose to replace a lost or damaged item with a copy of the same title and edition if it is in a condition judged acceptable by library personnel. A $10 processing fee will be charged.
No refund will be issued for payments made for lost items.
May 2025