How To Get a Library Card

About Getting a Borrower’s Card

Borrowing privileges – How to Get a Library Card 

Library Cards are free to the residents of the City of Herrin while Non-Residents Cards are available to rural residents inside the Herrin School District for a rate of $55 per household. Those people who live within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Herrin City Library need pay no additional fee to be eligible to receive their first library card. Library cards are renewed every year (issued for three years) without additional fees provided the library cardholder continues to reside within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Herrin City Library, and is a patron in good standing. For more details visit the Borrower’s Card Page or Non-resident Card Policies & Fees.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET MY LIBRARY CARD?

If you live in, or own property inside the Herrin city limits:

  • A current (unexpired) photo ID
  • Proof of Herrin address, such as:
    • a recent piece of official mail addressed to you; such as a Herrin water bill, electric bill, telephone bill, checking account book, voter’s registration card, or statement, or other official statement with your name and Herrin address.
    • a bill in your name. (not junk mail)

  • Children (age 3 +): Bring in a parent or guardian with the above documents.

If you live outside of Herrin city limits:

  • A current (unexpired) photo ID
  • Proof of address, such as:
    • a recent piece of mail addressed to you, such as a water bill, electric bill, telephone bill, checking account book, voter’s registration Card, or statement, or other official statement with your name and address.
    • a bill in your name
  • Method of payment (cash, check or credit card).
  • Children (age 3 +): Bring a parent or guardian with the above documents.

     The Herrin City Library serves the city of Herrin and gets its tax support from property taxes collected on real estate within the city. As a result, library cards are free to the residents of the city of Herrin. To get a card you will need to provide a photo ID with your current Herrin address and a piece of recent (within 7 days) official mail with your name and address on it.  If your ID does not show your current Herrin address, you will need to bring some other form of identification such as a Herrin water bill, electric bill, telephone bill, checking account book, voter’s registration card, or statement, or other official statement with your name and Herrin address. Cards can be issued immediately when proper proof of address is provided.

For more details visit the Borrower’s Card Page under Library Policies, or contact the Herrin City Library at 618-942-6109.

CAN I USE MY CARD FROM ANOTHER ILLINOIS LIBRARY?

You can use your library card from another southern Illinois library to check out at Herrin City Library. You can place holds to be picked up in Herrin, return items to any Illinois library, and attend our library programs. Restrictions may apply on other services.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT A NON RESIDENT CARD

If you don’t live inside the Herrin city limits, you don’t pay property taxes to any public library. According to Illinois law, to get a library card you can purchase a nonresident card from your closest public library. The cost is calculated according to the average of what Herrin residents pay on their tax bill.  A nonresident card is good for one year. The annual payment covers cards for everyone in your household. Nonresident and resident cardholders have full access to library services. Find more about non-resident cards on by reading out Non-Resident Card Policy. 

Your Child’s First Library Card

Congratulations on your child’s new card! We are so happy to have you join the Herrin City Library family! Here are a few tips to help you have a great library experience:

Tips for Choosing Books

  • Find books together. You are encouraged to choose library materials with your child to ensure your child is checking out materials appropriate for your family.
  • Read what interests your child. Comic books, graphic novels, non-fiction, historical fiction, fantasy — there are so many different styles that may interest your child. Choose what they love to help them love reading. 
  • Ask a Librarian. Not sure what to read next? Our Librarians love to help kids and families find their next great book!  Just stop by and ask us! 
  • Read a review. Need Help Finding a Book? Check out these resources to help find your next favorite book.

Other Services:

FAXING-  $1.00 PER PAGE UP TO $10.00/ $1.00 TO RECEIVE

SCANNING- .10 ¢ A PAGE TO EMAIL

SELF SEAL POUCH- $1.00 PER POUCH

LAMINATION- $1.00 MINIMUM/ .50 ¢ PER PAGE

RESUME  PAPER- .10 ¢ A PAGE

FILE CONVERSION- .50 ¢ PER DOCUMENT

BLACK/WHITE COPIES- .15 ¢ A PAGE

COLOR COPIES- $1.00 PER PAGE