About the Carthage Public Library
Missions Statement: Carthage Public Library enhances the quality of life in our community by offering resources, experiences, and services for lifelong learning and enjoyment; providing the space and opportunities to gather and connect; and fostering a love of reading. |
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Everyone, regardless of residence, is welcome to attend our programs and use our computers and other services in the library. To borrow materials, you need a valid Library Card.
Library Cards Residents of the Carthage Public Library District (people who live in the Carthage Elementary School District) and persons who own property within the district support our Library with their property taxes. There is no additional charge to receive a library card. The Carthage Public Library also accepts valid library cards from other public libraries in Illinois. Individuals who live in an area that is not served by a public library may purchase a card from the Carthage Public Library, or from their nearest IL public library, fees vary library to library and year-to-year following State regulations. The current (July 2023-June 2024) cost for a Carthage Card is $154 per year. As of 2/13/2023, students who are not served by a library, and for whom Carthage Public Library is their closest library, can apply for a Carthage Public Library card free of charge. [Cards for Kids Act]. Disabled veterans can also obtain a free card. To apply for a card, please bring identification and proof of address. A parent or guardian must sign the application form for a child. On-Line Services Including an email address when registering for a library card will enable patrons to receive automatically generated email notifications when materials are due or overdue, or when requested items are available. You can also sign up for our newsletter! The Library's card catalog (RSACat)is on-line, so you may search our collection, and that of other libraries in our system, over the Internet. Through the card catalog, you may log into your personal account by using the barcode number from your library card and setting up a PIN number or password at the library. This allows you to see what items are checked out, when they are due, if you owe any fines, and to renew most items on-line. You may also place holds on materials that the Carthage Library owns, but which are currently checked out, or on materials owned by other libraries in our system. Of course, you may also stop in or call the library and the staff will be happy to renew your items, or place a hold on materials for you. Your Library barcode number and PIN are also used to log into ADML (Alliance Digital Media Library) and eReadIllinois, to check out and download audiobooks and ebooks for smartphone, tablet, or other device. InterLibrary Loan Services Do you want to borrow a book, movie or audio that we don't own? We can probably borrow it for you through Interlibrary Loan. This is at no cost to patrons. Simply call us and we will request the item for you, or you can place holds yourself through RSACat. If the item you want is not available in our card catalog, please contact us as library staff can search a larger database, with libraries throughout IL and the US. Other Services Homebound Delivery - if one of our local patrons is physically unable to come into the library, even if it is a temporary situation due to an injury, call us and we will arrange to have books delivered to the home. A valid Carthage Library card is required for this service. Federal Talking Book Program - we will assist qualified patrons in applying for this federal program, which provides a special machine and audio books for visually impaired individuals. The audio books are sent by mail from the Illinois Talking Book Center. Since this is a Federal program, even individuals outside of the library's service area may apply. Meeting Room - The Library has a meeting room upstairs, which may be reserved for use by outside groups. There is no charge for approved non-profit organizations. There is a $50 fee for other entities. View complete policy here. |
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FAX Machine
The Library's Fax number is: 217-357-2392. You do not need to be a library member to send/receive a fax.
Photocopies and printing, Scanning In most cases, printing directly from a phone is an option.
Computers, Internet Access & WiFi The Library has a wireless hotspot, which the public may use to connect their own laptops or devices to the Internet. Simply ask for the password. The Library also has 6 computers with Internet Access available for public use. You do not need to have a Library card in order to use the computers. Users are asked to adhere to our Library Policy for Responsible Usage. Students 5th grade & older must have a signed parent authorization form on file. Children younger than 5th grade may not use the Internet unless accompanied by a guardian. We do have i-pads with games that children may use in the library. Laptop Lending The Library has two older laptops to loan to established patrons, with word processing software. Lending policy is attached. |
