Cardholder Responsibilities

Library Cards

Library cards are available to all residents of the City of Bloomington and the Golden Prairie Public Library District. Any resident, 17 years of age and older, may receive an adult library card upon provision of a valid photo id and verification of current address. 

Regular Library cards are renewed every three years provided the Library cardholder shows proof of residency. Limited Library cards, renewed every six months, are available to residents who are transitioning to permanent housing.

The Library reserves the right not to issue or renew a library card to anyone who cannot provide identification and/or address verification. 

Minors

A parent or legal guardian’s approval is required for anyone under the age of 17 to obtain a regular library card.  The child and the parent must both be present.  By obtaining a library card for a minor, parents/guardians acknowledge responsibility for the items borrowed, fees incurred, and their child’s selection of materials. 

Emancipated minors who have proof of their court ordered emancipation may receive an adult card without parental consent.

Students in District 87 and Unit 5 who reside in the City of Bloomington and the Golden Prairie Public Library District, and do not already have a regular library card, will receive a student library card through a partnership established with the school districts and the Library. Parents are able to opt out of this program by contacting either the Library or their respective school.

Non-residents

In accordance with the Illinois Local Library Act (75 ILCS 5/4-7), an individual residing outside of the Bloomington city limits or the Golden Prairie Public Library District who:

1. Lives in the service area of another public library in the state of Illinois may register for a reciprocal library account at the Bloomington Public Library.
2. Owns property within the city limits of Bloomington or within the Golden Prairie Public Library District and pays property taxes to the libraries, may annually present a tax bill for said property to receive a library card.
3. Is a student (pre-school through 12th grade).
4. Is a veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who is exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence due to the Homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities, may annually present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes to receive a library card.
5. Is an unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who previously qualified for the Homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities or an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in action, may annually present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes to receive a library card.
6. Does not qualify for (a)-(e), may purchase a non-resident fee card by paying an annual fee comparable to the property tax paid by city residents. The annual fee for non-resident cards is established each year by the Board of Trustees. This fee entitles the immediate family to use the Bloomington Public Library and participating libraries statewide.

Educators

Any educator employed in a licensed Pre-K-Grade 12 institutional setting in the Bloomington-Normal area may receive an educator library card upon completion of an application and provision of a valid photo id, proof of current address, and proof of current educator status such as a school ID, pay stub, or document on school letterhead.   

Organizations

Any organization located in the City of Bloomington and the Golden Prairie Public Library District may receive a corporate account upon completion of an application, proof of the organization’s current address, and a signed agreement from the organization’s Director/CEO/Owner.   

eCards

Any patron who does not have a Library card, does not meet the requirements to receive a Bloomington Public Library card or does not want to receive a regular Library card, may receive an eCard - solely for the purpose of providing computer access, upon provision of a photo id.

Lost Cards

Lost or stolen library cards must be reported immediately. There may be a minimal charge to replace a library card.

Borrowing Privileges

Cardholders are responsible for all items borrowed using their library account and should not lend their card or library materials to others.

Borrowing privileges for physical items will be suspended when accrued fees equal or exceed ten dollars ($10.00).  These privileges will be restored when the amount owed is below ten dollars ($10.00). 

Lost or Damaged Materials

Cardholders are responsible for loss or damage to materials that are borrowed, including cases and supplemental contents. The current replacement cost will be charged for materials that are lost or too badly damaged to remain in the library collection.