Circulation Policy

The Decatur Public Library supports the greatest possible use of the circulating collection for patrons in good standing. The Library is committed to resource sharing at local, state, and national levels as demonstrated by our membership and participation in the Illinois Heartland Library System/SHARE as well as OCLC’s World Share Interlibrary Loan program.

Getting a Library Card

Decatur Residents

To borrow materials from the Decatur Public Library, patrons must have a library card in good standing from this library or other Illinois library which participates in reciprocal borrowing.
A Decatur Public Library card is free for anyone who is assessed property taxes in Decatur. Library cards are non-transferable and the registered cardholder remains responsible for all activity on the account. Patrons must verify their address every three years to maintain active status.
Library accounts that are unused for more than three years are removed from the database. After this time, patrons will need to re-register in order to have library privileges reinstated. Patrons must notify the library as soon as possible of any changes in address or phone number.
It is the responsibility of the patron to report lost or stolen cards as soon as possible.

Cards for adults

Library cards will be issued to anyone 18 or older who provides proof of identity and residence within the Decatur Public Library service area and who has no outstanding charges with other libraries in the system.

Cards for children

Library cards will be issued to anyone under 18 upon verification of an adult who affirms financial responsibility for the account.
Parents, caregivers, and legal guardians are solely responsible for the child's selection and for the care of the materials checked out.

Digital E-Card

Patrons who only wish to access the library’s electronic resources or who prefer a full-service digital card only, may apply for an E-card by filling out the form found on the library website.

Non-Resident Cards

Patrons who are unserved by an Illinois public library are eligible for a non-resident card for a fee* which is approved annually by the Library Board of Trustees. Non-residents must obtain a library card from their closest public library, per Public Act 92-0166, effective July 1, 2002.

Non-residents who verifiably pay property tax in our service area, are eligible for a free Decatur Public Library card by presenting a valid ID.
All family members who reside at the residence shall be eligible for a non-resident card. Non-resident cards are valid for 12 months and are renewable annually.
*Exceptions are granted to children who are eligible for free school lunches, and disabled veterans, who may receive library cards at no charge per Illinois Administrative code [TITLE 23: EDUCATION AND CULTURAL RESOURCES, SUBTITLE B: CULTURAL RESOURCES CHAPTER I: SECRETARY OF STATE, PART 3050 PUBLIC LIBRARY NON-RESIDENT SERVICES] (Source: Added at 45 Ill. Reg. 9538, effective July 19, 2021)

Temporary Card

Temporary cards may be issued to those with temporary addresses and are valid for six months. (Suitable documents include: a letter from a Decatur housing shelter, a work visa, or a college student ID card.) The temporary card allows patrons to check out 5 items, and use library computers and databases.

Borrowing and Requesting Materials

Decatur Public Library items may be renewed up to two times if the material is not requested by another patron. Materials may be renewed at the circulation counter, online, or by phone. Current loan periods are:
• Books and audiobooks—28 days.
• DVDs/Blu-rays, CDs, Magazines, and New Fiction—14 days.
• 20 DVDs, CDs, Video Games or Audiobooks can be charged to an account at one time.
Library materials borrowed from other libraries are subject to the loaning policies of the lending library.
Requests for library material may be made online, by phone, or in person. Patrons may be notified by email or text message when materials are available for pickup. Materials that are not picked up in the allotted time will be returned to the shelves or lending library.

Damaged or non-returned materials

Patrons who have damaged or not returned materials will have their library privileges suspended until materials are renewed, returned, or paid for.
A payment plan may be arranged at the library’s discretion
Patrons whose assessed fees exceed $25.00 shall be referred to a collection agency after 60 days. There will be a fee of $25.00 assessed for all returned checks.
Patrons who have lost or damaged materials shall be charged the listed price of the material. The Library does not reimburse patrons for materials returned after they have been paid for.
Willful destruction of library materials and property shall be subject to legal action.
Patrons who register for an account agree to abide by Library policies.

Approved by the Board of Trustees November 18, 2021
Amended by the Board of Trustees November 21, 2024