The Library will be closed Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11.

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.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month
Sign up for and use a new library card at the library this month to be entered to win a gift card. There will also be a drawing for current members who use the library in September! Everyone who lives in the Carthage Elementary School District qualifies for a free library card. Children (up to age 18) who live in unserved areas can also receive a free card from their closest public library through the Cards4Kids Act.
Sign up for and use a new library card at the library this month to be entered to win a gift card. There will also be a drawing for current members who use the library in September! Everyone who lives in the Carthage Elementary School District qualifies for a free library card. Children (up to age 18) who live in unserved areas can also receive a free card from their closest public library through the Cards4Kids Act.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Click here for our Calendar of Events

BOOK CHALLENGES ON THE RISE: SUPPORT YOUR FREEDOM TO READ
Monday, October 2 - 7:00 pm
This state-wide virtual panel discussion will be held via Zoom. Register thru this link:vapld.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5JqN2Bt1RBOfSjQoWwNB7A
The public is welcome to come watch the program at the Carthage Public LIbrary.
Monday, October 2 - 7:00 pm
This state-wide virtual panel discussion will be held via Zoom. Register thru this link:vapld.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5JqN2Bt1RBOfSjQoWwNB7A
The public is welcome to come watch the program at the Carthage Public LIbrary.

Chills & Thrills with
Stephen Graham Jones
Free virtual program with bestselling horror author
Wednesday, October 4, 7:00 pm
Join a Watch Party at the Library or
register to watch via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/ILP_StephenGrahamJones
If you can't attend the "live" virtual program, still register through the link above to receive a link and password to view a recording of the program at a later time.
Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and Don't Fear the Reaper, and a prolific author of more than 25 books spanning genres. He received an NEA Fellowship and won several awards. He is the Ivana Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Illinois librarian and Readers' Advisor Becky Spratford will join Stephen in conversation. Becky, a devout horror fan, writes a horror review column for Library Journal, is the author of The Reader's Advisory Guide to Horror, and
is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, (ILP) a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Stephen Graham Jones
Free virtual program with bestselling horror author
Wednesday, October 4, 7:00 pm
Join a Watch Party at the Library or
register to watch via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/ILP_StephenGrahamJones
If you can't attend the "live" virtual program, still register through the link above to receive a link and password to view a recording of the program at a later time.
Stephen Graham Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and Don't Fear the Reaper, and a prolific author of more than 25 books spanning genres. He received an NEA Fellowship and won several awards. He is the Ivana Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Illinois librarian and Readers' Advisor Becky Spratford will join Stephen in conversation. Becky, a devout horror fan, writes a horror review column for Library Journal, is the author of The Reader's Advisory Guide to Horror, and
is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, (ILP) a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

Food, Family, and Folktales:
A Conversation with Grace Lin
Free virtual program with author of children's books
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 pm
For students in 2nd grade or older as well as adults.
Join a Watch Party at the Library or
register to watch via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/ILP_GraceLin
If you can't attend the "live" virtual program, still register through the link above to receive a link and password to view a recording of the program at a later time.
Join Grace Lin for an engaging conversation about her journey to become an award-winning author and illustrator. Learn about her latest middle grade book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods and learn how you an draw your own stories.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, (ILP) a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
A Conversation with Grace Lin
Free virtual program with author of children's books
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 pm
For students in 2nd grade or older as well as adults.
Join a Watch Party at the Library or
register to watch via Zoom:
https://bit.ly/ILP_GraceLin
If you can't attend the "live" virtual program, still register through the link above to receive a link and password to view a recording of the program at a later time.
Join Grace Lin for an engaging conversation about her journey to become an award-winning author and illustrator. Learn about her latest middle grade book, Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods and learn how you an draw your own stories.
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, (ILP) a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office for the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

Upcoming Illinois Libraries Present Virtual Programs
Wed., November 8, 7:00 pm -- A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard
Wed., December 6, 7:00 pm -- Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Thurs., January 11 -- Speculating our AI Future with Cory Doctorow, Ken Liu and Martha Wells
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
Wed., November 8, 7:00 pm -- A Taste of Love with Maya-Camille Broussard
Wed., December 6, 7:00 pm -- Surviving the Holidays with Lori Gottlieb
Thurs., January 11 -- Speculating our AI Future with Cory Doctorow, Ken Liu and Martha Wells
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

FISH FRY FUNDRAISER
for the New Library Construction Project
Friday, October 13, 4:30-7:00 pm
Carthage Eagles Club
519 Madison St., Carthage
Dine In - Carry Out - or Drive Thru
Fish, baked beans, potato salad & dessert
Suggested donation $12 / plate
Organized by the Carthage Public Library District Board of Trustees
Stop by for dinner before the IWHS home football game vs West Hancock.
for the New Library Construction Project
Friday, October 13, 4:30-7:00 pm
Carthage Eagles Club
519 Madison St., Carthage
Dine In - Carry Out - or Drive Thru
Fish, baked beans, potato salad & dessert
Suggested donation $12 / plate
Organized by the Carthage Public Library District Board of Trustees
Stop by for dinner before the IWHS home football game vs West Hancock.
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:
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:
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
Use the icons below or the drop down menus at the top of the page
to move to the other pages of the Library's website.
to move to the other pages of the Library's website.