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Get a Library Card

 

Any person living or owning property within DeKalb’s city limits pays taxes to support the library and is eligible for a library card at no additional cost. There are additional options for people living outside the city limits.

DeKalb Resident Cards

DeKalb Public Library cards are issued free of charge to all residents within the boundaries of the City of DeKalb. Proof of residency and a valid photo ID are required at the time of application, renewal, or if a change in information occurs. Library cards are valid for five years or as long as the cardholder remains a DeKalb resident, whichever occurs first. A parent or guardian must sign the library card application for children under 18 and provide proof of residency on the child’s behalf.

Non-Resident Taxpayer Cards

Those who own property in DeKalb but reside elsewhere are eligible for a DeKalb Public Library card. The most
recent property tax bill showing the owner’s name and property address is required at the time of application. Proof of home address is also required. Cards issued are valid for one year, and only one person will be designated as the cardholder.

Corporate Cards

Businesses or non-profit organizations with physical locations in DeKalb are eligible for a DeKalb Public Library card. Proof of the organization’s address is required at the time of application. Corporate cards are valid for one year, and may be used only by the owner or director of the organization.

Temporary Resident Cards

Residents of DeKalb without a fixed address may be eligible for a Temporary Resident card at the DeKalb Public Library. Temporary Resident cards entitle the cardholder to the use of library resources and a checkout limit of one item. Temporary Resident cards are valid for one year.

DeKalb Community School District 428 Partnership Cards

Students and staff members of DeKalb Community School District 428 are eligible for a School Partnership card. School Partnership cards will be revoked if the borrower is no longer enrolled in or employed by the school district. A parent or guardian must sign the library card application for children under 18 and provide proof of residency and a valid photo ID on the child’s behalf for a School Partnership Card. Application for School Partnership cards may be made through the school district, or at the library. If applying at the library, eligibility must be confirmed by the school district before a card will be issued. Eligibility will be reviewed annually. School Partnership cards are valid until the individual is no longer affiliated with the school district or until the school district ends their agreement with the library.

DeKalb Township Partnership Cards

Any resident of DeKalb Township is eligible for a Township Partnership card. Township Partnership cards will be revoked if the borrower is no longer a resident of DeKalb Township. Proof of residency and a valid photo ID are required at the time of application, renewal, or if a change in information occurs. Township Partnership library cards are valid for one year. A parent or guardian must sign the library card application for children under 18 and provide proof of residency on the child’s behalf. Application for Township Partnership cards may be made through DeKalb Township, or at the library.

Non-Resident Fee Cards

Residents of areas not served by a public library may obtain a DeKalb Public Library card through payment of an annual fee, based on the average cost to DeKalb taxpayers for library services as determined by the Illinois State Library. The current fee is $161.92 for an annual card. Non-Resident Fee cards may only be issued to residents if the DeKalb Public Library is the closest public library to their residence, as determined by Illinois State Law (75 ILCS 16/30-55.60). Non-Resident Fee cards are valid for one year, and may be used by all family members within the same residence.

Reciprocal Borrowing Privileges

Cardholders from other Illinois libraries ordinarily may use their home library cards to check out materials at the DeKalb Public Library by registering for reciprocal borrowing privileges. Presentation of a valid home library card and valid photo ID are required to initiate reciprocal borrowing privileges. Kits and hot spots may not be checked out by reciprocal borrowers. Reciprocal borrowing privileges are valid until the home library card expires.

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