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Get A Library Card Today!

Library cards are provided free of charge to all residents of the South Beloit Public Library taxing district, as part of your tax-supported library services. Your card gives you borrowing privileges here and at many public libraries in Northern Illinois, access to special online resources, and more.

What do I need to Get a Library Card?

Proof of identity and current residence are required to apply for a South Beloit Public Library Card.
Library cards are valid for three years from registration and may be renewed.
All persons living outside a RAILS library taxing district may purchase an annual card for the current amount figured by the state formula for household non-resident library cards. Non-residency eligibility is determined by the rules set forth by the Illinois General Assembly.
Any business in the South Beloit Public Library taxing district is eligible for a library card. The owner, president, director, or signing authority must bring in proof of their connection to the business, the business name and address, as well as personal identification and proof of address.

Rules and Regulations

The patron who signed up for and to whom the card was issued is responsible for all materials checked out on that card. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a minor are responsible for all materials checked out on the minor’s card.
Owners of property within the South Beloit Public Library taxing district who reside out of the district are eligible for a South Beloit Public Library card. The owner must bring in personal identification and proof of South Beloit property address.
Lost library card replacement fee is $1.00.

Check out Items

Books and audiobooks may be checked out for three weeks. They may be renewed for an additional three weeks unless they are on a reserve list.
Magazines may be checked out for one week. Magazines may be renewed for one week unless on a reserve list.
DVDs may be checked out for one week and may be renewed for one week unless on a reserve list. There is a limit of 5 DVDs per library card.
Renewals may be done in person, by phone, or online. Interlibrary loan materials may be renewed unless they are on a reserve list.
Interlibrary loan of materials is available to South Beloit Public Library cardholders with cards in good standing.
Electronic circulation of material is available to South Beloit Public Library cardholders with cards in good standing. The number of checkouts, renewals, and the length of checkout are subject to the rules of the contract with the circulating agency.

Fines & Fees

We’re fine free!! This does not apply to lost/damaged items.
The South Beloit Library will no longer be assessing fines for items checked out at our library.
Due dates and loan rules still in place.
Patrons that do not return or renew their items by 14 days after the due date will have their account blocked.
For lost or damaged items, patron must reimburse replacement cost, plus $2.00 processing fee.
Patron fines must be below $10.00 for borrowing privileges from the library.
Patron fines must be below $10.00 for interlibrary loan and electronic borrowing.
There is no maximum fine per card. The total fines accrued must be paid.
Lost library card replacement fee is $1.00.
Persons failing to return materials and/or pay for damaged materials may be subject to prosecution or may be referred to the City Attorney for court action. When judgments are found in favor of the Library, the person will be assessed court costs, plus an additional $25 library delinquency account fee. The Library may also choose to use a collection agency to retrieve delinquent materials. Any costs to the Library may be passed on to the customer.