Minors

A parent or legal guardian‘s signature is required for any one under the age of eighteen to acquire a library card. By signing the registration form, parents/guardians acknowledge responsibility for the items borrowed, fees incurred, and their children‘s selection of materials.

Restricting Minors‘ Access to R-Rated Videos

Parents/guardians have the option of not allowing their minor children to use their own cards to check out videos rated R and above (ratings given by the Motion Picture Association of America). Parents/guardians may mark their preference on the library card registration form.

Businesses and Organizations

Businesses and organizations located within the corporate limits of the City of Champaign may obtain a free library card for a maximum of three individuals authorized by the business or organization. The business or organization must provide a letter of authorization on official letterhead stationery, signed by the business owner or administrative officer. The letter must include the name and titles of a maximum of three individuals the business or organization is authorizing to hold a library card in the name of the business or organization. The business or organization also includes in this letter acknowledgement that they are liable and financially responsible for all transactions charged to each library card it has authorized, including, but not limited to, charges for overdue, lost, or damaged materials.

Shelter and Group Home Residents

Shelter and Group Home residents located within the corporate limits of the City of Champaign may obtain a free library card by submitting a letter from an official of the shelter or group home verifying the person‘s residence and photo identification. These library cards are restricted to a checkout maximum of five items.

Non-Residents

Non-residents may purchase a non-resident library card. Non-residents must present photo identification, verification of address, and their most recent property tax bill or a copy of their rental lease. The non-resident fee will be the same amount they would pay if they were a Champaign resident. The library tax rate for 2004–05 was 42.22 cents per $100 of Equalized Assessed Valuation (or 0.4222% or 0.004222).

Non-resident fees may be paid on a quarterly basis with a $1.00 service charge per quarter, regardless of the number of quarters sold at one time. The service charge applies to only three, six, or nine-month cards.

Lincoln Trail Libraries System
Champaign Public Library is a member of the Lincoln Trail Libraries System. Champaign Public Library‘s card holders may use their cards at any other public library within the Lincoln Trail Libraries System, including those in Urbana, Mahomet, Monticello, St. Joseph, Tolono, Rantoul, and Danville. Library card holders from any of the other public libraries in the Lincoln Trail Libraries System may also use their library cards at the Champaign Public Library. Non-resident cards must be purchased at the public library located within the non-resident‘s school district.

Lost Cards

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

Approved by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, August 18, 2005