The Library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas.
We will also be closed New Year's Day, Monday, January 1.
We will also be closed New Year's Day, Monday, January 1.

Download the RSAcat Mobile App from your app store.
Log in with your library barcode number and PIN. (Contact the library if you don't know your PIN)
View your account, search our collection and that of other libraries in our consortia, and place holds.
Log in with your library barcode number and PIN. (Contact the library if you don't know your PIN)
View your account, search our collection and that of other libraries in our consortia, and place holds.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Click here for our Calendar of Events
2023 Gift Basket Raffle
Tickets on sale Nov. 14 - Dec. 14 $2 each or 6 tickets for $10. Purchase tickets at the library during regular hours or from Friends Board members. Or mail a check made out to the Friends of the Carthage Library to Carthage Public Library, 500 Wabash Ave., Carthage, IL 62321. Be sure to include your contact information, including a phone number, and which basket drawing(s) you wish to enter. All funds raised go to the Library' Capital Campaign to construct a new library building. |
If slideshow isn't showing on your mobile device please click here -> Friends Page for photos. Actual baskets are on display at the library.
15 wonderful gift baskets. You choose which drawing(s) to enter. Tickets will be drawn Dec. 15 and winners will be notified. Baskets must be picked up at the library Dec. 15-22. |

Virtual Program
Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
psychotherapist and author of the book
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Join us at the Library for a Watch Party
or register for the Zoom link
bit.ly/ILP_LoriGottlieb
If you wish to receive a link to the recording,
you must register.
Lori Gottlieb, co-host of the "Dear Therapists" podcast
joins us for a thot-provoking conversation about mental health in anticipation of the winter holiday season.
She will share tools to help in everyday life and
especially in preparation for the holidays.

Enjoy the Nutcracker Ballet in your own home.
Register at httips://bit.ly/WatchTheNutcracker to receive a special link and instructions to view the performance on YouTube.
The recording will be available December 16 & 17 only, and will not be shown at the Library.
With sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score this performance of The Nutcracker by United Kingdom's internationally renowned Royal Ballet will enchant audiences of all ages.
Register at httips://bit.ly/WatchTheNutcracker to receive a special link and instructions to view the performance on YouTube.
The recording will be available December 16 & 17 only, and will not be shown at the Library.
With sumptuous period designs, spellbinding stage effects, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score this performance of The Nutcracker by United Kingdom's internationally renowned Royal Ballet will enchant audiences of all ages.

Upcoming Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Programs
Thurs., January 11 -- Speculating our AI Future with Cory Doctorow, Ken Liu and Martha Wells
https://bit.ly/ILP_DoctorowLiuWells
Tues., February 6 - Jerry Craft teaches how to draw your own comics
Tues., February 20 -- Julia Quinn discusses the Bridgertons and all things Romance
Wed., March 20 -- Ruth E. Carter, Academy Award winning costume designer
Wed., April 3 -- Temple Grandin speaks about the gifts of neurodiversity
Tues., May 7 -- Kal Pen: writer, producer, and former White House staff member
Thurs., January 11 -- Speculating our AI Future with Cory Doctorow, Ken Liu and Martha Wells
https://bit.ly/ILP_DoctorowLiuWells
Tues., February 6 - Jerry Craft teaches how to draw your own comics
Tues., February 20 -- Julia Quinn discusses the Bridgertons and all things Romance
Wed., March 20 -- Ruth E. Carter, Academy Award winning costume designer
Wed., April 3 -- Temple Grandin speaks about the gifts of neurodiversity
Tues., May 7 -- Kal Pen: writer, producer, and former White House staff member

BELIEVE IN THE NEW LIBRARY
$100,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE
A donor, who believes in the library and the importance of our project to construct a new building, has created an opportunity for the community.
If we raise $100,000 in donations and pledges by March 31, 2024, she will match it with an additional $100,000!!!
Checks should be made out to the Carthage District Library Foundation and mailed to Carthage Public Library, 500 Wabash Ave., Carthage, IL 62321. Use the donate button link at the top of the Foundation page to make an on-line donation.
$100,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE
A donor, who believes in the library and the importance of our project to construct a new building, has created an opportunity for the community.
If we raise $100,000 in donations and pledges by March 31, 2024, she will match it with an additional $100,000!!!
- SOME POSSIBLE WAYS TO GIVE:
- A donation in honor of someone could be a perfect gift.
- Engraved bricks & pavers are an option.
- Consider designating the Foundation as the charitable recipient for a required minimum distribution (RMD).
- Complete a pledge form for monthly or quarterly donations.
- Pledges received by March 31 for payment in 2024 will count toward the matching challenge.
Checks should be made out to the Carthage District Library Foundation and mailed to Carthage Public Library, 500 Wabash Ave., Carthage, IL 62321. Use the donate button link at the top of the Foundation page to make an on-line donation.
PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS
The first video promotes our Dare to Dream campaign to construct a new library building.
The second is a fun video highlighting just a few of the many services offered by the Carthage Public Library District.
These videos can also be found on our YouTube page - please share the links with others:
https://youtu.be/iDfdFu86Hp8 https://youtu.be/kX-h2LTYSis
The first video promotes our Dare to Dream campaign to construct a new library building.
The second is a fun video highlighting just a few of the many services offered by the Carthage Public Library District.
These videos can also be found on our YouTube page - please share the links with others:
https://youtu.be/iDfdFu86Hp8 https://youtu.be/kX-h2LTYSis
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Thank you to everyone who gave their time to be filmed, even if your segment didn't make it into either of the final videos.
Thanks to Table Sixteen Productions for creating the videos and to the Tracy Family Foundation which provided the funding.
Thanks to Table Sixteen Productions for creating the videos and to the Tracy Family Foundation which provided the funding.
NEW Annual Report Numbers for the Library's Fiscal Year July 2022 - June 2023

The Community Uses Our Library
* checking out physical books, movies, and audio books
* reading newspapers and magazines
*accessing our on-line databases and free downloadable e-books and audiobooks
* using computers, Wifi, printer/copier and Fax machine.
*participating in programs and events
* using our spaces to study, work, or hold meetings
This report of usage of Library materials and
services from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 may be downloaded from this link:
Year Review Snapshot 2022-23
Values were calculated using values from:
ilovelibraries.org/what-libraries-do/calculator
* checking out physical books, movies, and audio books
* reading newspapers and magazines
*accessing our on-line databases and free downloadable e-books and audiobooks
* using computers, Wifi, printer/copier and Fax machine.
*participating in programs and events
* using our spaces to study, work, or hold meetings
This report of usage of Library materials and
services from July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 may be downloaded from this link:
Year Review Snapshot 2022-23
Values were calculated using values from:
ilovelibraries.org/what-libraries-do/calculator
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See the New Building Construction page of this website for more information about our project and the Library Foundation's page for more about our Capital Campaign and how you can help us Dare to Dream. All donations are appreciated!
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library_build_campaign_brochure.pdf | |
File Size: | 1520 kb |
File Type: |

Bid Results - Project delayed
Only two general contractors submitted a bid for the new building. Both bids were over $5 million, which is much higher than we had estimated. A special board meeting was held on May 31, 2022. The trustees were unable to accept either of these bids.
We will work with the architects to make changes to the plans in an effort to reduce costs. The project will be put out for bids again at a later date.
We are also seeking additional grants and other sources of funding. All donations are appreciated! The brick and paver project form is above,
or more information is on the Library Foundation page of this website.
Only two general contractors submitted a bid for the new building. Both bids were over $5 million, which is much higher than we had estimated. A special board meeting was held on May 31, 2022. The trustees were unable to accept either of these bids.
We will work with the architects to make changes to the plans in an effort to reduce costs. The project will be put out for bids again at a later date.
We are also seeking additional grants and other sources of funding. All donations are appreciated! The brick and paver project form is above,
or more information is on the Library Foundation page of this website.
Library Lines Newsletters -- If you would like to receive a copy of our monthly newsletter via email,
send your contact information to cartlib@mtcnow.net and we'll add you to our email list.
Download a copy here: December 2023 November 2023
October 2023, September 2023, June 2023 - Summer May 2023, April 2023, March 2023 Feb. 2023 Jan. 2023, Dec. 2022 Nov. 2022, Oct. 2022, Sept 2022, August 2022, June 2022, May 2022, April 2022, March 2022, February 2022, January 2022, December 2021, November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, May/June 2021, April 2021, March 2021, Jan/Feb 2021
send your contact information to cartlib@mtcnow.net and we'll add you to our email list.
Download a copy here: December 2023 November 2023
October 2023, September 2023, June 2023 - Summer May 2023, April 2023, March 2023 Feb. 2023 Jan. 2023, Dec. 2022 Nov. 2022, Oct. 2022, Sept 2022, August 2022, June 2022, May 2022, April 2022, March 2022, February 2022, January 2022, December 2021, November 2021, October 2021, September 2021, August 2021, July 2021, May/June 2021, April 2021, March 2021, Jan/Feb 2021
Search for ebooks and audios to check out and download.
Request a PIN from the Library and use it and your library card's barcode number
to log in to either ADML or eReadIllinois.
These ebooks and e-audios are also included in our Card Catalog, http://alsi.sdp.sirsi.net/client/en_US/CarthagePLD/
to log in to either ADML or eReadIllinois.
These ebooks and e-audios are also included in our Card Catalog, http://alsi.sdp.sirsi.net/client/en_US/CarthagePLD/
ADML: Alliance Digital Media Library
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eRead Illinois
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![]() This database features RAILS Community Collections and the Indie Illinois e-book collection, as well as resources for independent authors.
The content is available free to everyone in Illinois - no library card is required - through the Biblioboard app Inkie.org |

Carthage Public Library now subscribes to the Library Edition of Ancestry.
It may only be accessed within the Library. Search US Federal Census Records, Vital Records (births, marriages, deaths), Military Records and Immigration Records. Downloadable forms such as ancestral charts and family group sheets are available to print and the Learning Center has research aids, tips & tricks.
It may only be accessed within the Library. Search US Federal Census Records, Vital Records (births, marriages, deaths), Military Records and Immigration Records. Downloadable forms such as ancestral charts and family group sheets are available to print and the Learning Center has research aids, tips & tricks.
Introducing 4 more New Databases!
Available for all to use within the Library. 24/7 remote access for Carthage Library Patrons
Log in with your library card barcode number.
Available for all to use within the Library. 24/7 remote access for Carthage Library Patrons
Log in with your library card barcode number.
Recipes & cooking videos from throughout the USA. Also food history and trivia. Fun videos of food commercials from the past.
https://www.atozfoodamerica.com/?c=Uvx65GuwAI ![]()
Information about World History, cultures, languages, foods, religions, and more from 174 countries. Includes lesson plans. https://www.atozworldculture.com/?c=Uvx65GuwAI |
Comprehensive collection of royalty-free downloadable maps of all types: City, Country, & World Maps; topographic, Climate, Geology, and Ecology Maps; Historical Maps; Flags, and more. Also a GeoFindIt! Game.
www.atozmapsonline.com/?c=Uvx65GuwAI ![]()
Comprehensive travel guide providing practical information for travelers and students. Featuring 202 cities from around the world. City facts, maps, climate & weather, food, language, attractions & excursions, nightlife, shopping, and more. https://www.atozworldtravel.com/?c=Uvx65GuwAI |
Peterson's Test and Career Prep Database
For easy access from your phone download the "Access My Library" app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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For easy access from your phone download the "Access My Library" app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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![]() 24/7 access. For now, use "carthage" as the password. Soon, you will enter your library barcode number to access. It is also available for use by all within the library during our regular hours. It will ask you to create an account so you can save your progress.
Prepare for standardized tests with eBooks, online courses, and full-length practice tests for GED, SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, U.S. citizenship, and more in Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep. Research undergraduate and graduate programs, finding tuition assistance, and exploring and preparing for careers whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or searching for new opportunities. A variety of interactive methods prompt personalized career recommendations and insight on programs, knowledge, skills, and ability. Search for jobs and create visually interesting résumés, cover letters, and websites that can be externally shared with prospective employers, using prebuilt templates.
Click here or on image to start. ![]() Information and resources for job seekers and employers.
Free on-line course from Chicago PLD available to all: "Getting a Job using Illinois Worknet" |
![]() Gale Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Resource Center.
Provides expertise covering all aspects of starting and operating a business, including finance, management, marketing, human resources, franchising, accounting, and taxes. The database contains hundreds of sample business plans created by real-life entrepreneurs, award-winning eBooks, as well as content from over 300 business journals and magazines. Free for use by all within the library during our regular hours. 24/7 access. For now, use "carthage" as the password. Soon, you will enter your library barcode number to access. Click here or one image to open. Resource Guide pdf - Tips for using the Entrepreneurship Database. ![]() How to e-file court documents: www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/how-to-e-file/ or
https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/e-filing-basics Additional Statewide legal forms available from this link illinoiscourts.gov ![]() il.freelegalanswers.org Eligible individuals can submit a question and receive an answer from an attorney.
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Explore More Illinois is a free service provided by your library and the RAILS Library System that provides instant online access to free and discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, park districts, theaters, and other fun and local cultural venues. How do I get a Pass? Log in with your library card credentials and browse for passes by date or attractions. Make your reservation and print or download your pass shortly before your visit. You can have two active reservations per library card. Please cancel your reservation(s) if unable to attend, otherwise the reservation will count as being used. Remember that once you print or download your pass you cannot cancel your reservation. https://exploremore.quipugroup.net/?Carthage