Library Cards

Effective September 25, 2007, the Sparta Public Library began circulating as members of the Shawnee Library System, now known as the Illinois Heartland Library System’s SHARE automation system. All library users are required to obtain a library card. The library card entitles library users in good standing to all services offered by the library including check-out items from the library’s collection and use of the library’s computers. Additionally, the library card provides users with security in protecting their circulation records.

1. Resident Card

Residents within the corporate city limits of Sparta and non-residents who pay taxes on property located within the corporate city limits are eligible to receive library services and obtain a library card without any additional fee. Application for a library card requires proof of identification and proof of residency. Examples of identification and proof of residency include: Driver Licenses, Illinois Identification Card, piece of mail listing the user’s street address, and/or tax bill. A local reference is required and a copy of proof of identification will be attached to application card. This adult assumes full responsibility for the return or payment of lost or damaged books or other library materials. For their security, patrons must have a library card to withdraw materials from the library. This card is not transferable, and patrons are responsible for all loans charged to the card.

The librarian reserves the right by the Board of Trustees’ directives to refuse or suspend service to any person who does not comply with library policy, who has unpaid fines over $2.00, or for other known misuses of library privileges. There are no extensions to the expiration date of a library card.

2. New Patrons

New patrons must complete an application form and show proper proof of both identification and residency. Examples of identification and proof of residency include: Driver Licenses, Illinois Identification Card, piece of mail listing the user’s street address, and/or tax bill. A local reference is required and a copy of proof of identification will be attached to application card. This adult assumes full responsibility for the return or payment of lost or damaged books or other library materials. For their security, patrons must have a library card to withdraw materials from the library. This card is not transferable, and patrons are responsible for all loans charged to the card.

New patrons may check-out only 2 items for the first three months. New patrons are ineligible for interlibrary loan service, but in some rare cases, items may be ordered and viewed in the library. New patrons, who have demonstrated that they are responsible and return items in a timely manner without fines, may have their account reviewed by the library’s director. The director may increase the number of items available for check-out.

3. Children’s Library Cards

Children under the age of 18 must have parents or legal guardian sign library application card, in person, at the library’s information desk. Additionally, parents wanting their children to have internet access must sign an Internet Access Application in person, at the information desk. The parent and child assume full responsibility for the return or payment of lost or damaged books or other library materials. For their security, patrons must have a library card to withdraw materials from the library. This card is not transferable, and patrons are responsible for all loans charged to the card.

4. Non-Resident Cards

Persons outside the corporate city limits of Sparta may obtain library privileges by paying an annual non-resident fee of $63 per family. Application for a library card requires proof of identification and proof of residency. Children between the ages of 10-16 may obtain a card, but the parent or guardian needs to sign the application in person. Examples of identification and proof of residency include: Driver Licenses, Illinois Identification Card, piece of mail listing the user’s street address, and/or tax bill. A local reference is required and a copy of proof of identification will be attached to application card. This adult assumes full responsibility for the return or payment of lost or damaged books or other library materials. For their security, patrons must have a library card to withdraw materials from the library. This card is not transferable, and patrons are responsible for all loans charged to the card.

5. Reciprocal Borrower’s Card

The Sparta Public Library will honor borrowing privileges of patrons from other cities and library districts who are members of the Illinois Heartland Library System. Reciprocal patrons must bring a card from their home library that includes the patron’s name, library number, and expiration date. The library staff reserves the right to call non-SILNET libraries within the Illinois Heartland Library System to see if the patron is in good standing with their home library. Once the reciprocal patron brings in their home library card and is determine to be in good standing, then the library staff will place a barcode on the back of their library card in order to check out items from the collection. Reciprocal borrowers may check out up to 5 items. Additionally, reciprocal borrowers may use the library computers by obtaining a visitor pass from the library’s information desk. Reciprocal borrowers may not receive interlibrary loan privileges. Reciprocal borrowers will assume full responsibility for the return or payment of lost or damaged books or other library materials. For their security, patrons must have a library card to withdraw materials from the library. This card is not transferable, and patrons are responsible for all loans charged to the card.

6. Replacement Fees for Lost/Stolen Library Cards

A replacement fee of $5.00 will be charged for any lost/stolen library cards. In the case of stolen library cards, this fee may be waived if a police report is presented to the library director for review. In the event of a lost or stolen card, the library user is responsible for notifying the library immediately. Until the library is notified of a lost or stolen card, a library card is valid and its owner is responsible for all use of the card and for any lost or overdue materials and fees incurred. In order to obtain a replacement library card, the library user needs to produce valid identification.

7. Schedule of Loan Periods

Normal loan of materials owned by the Sparta Public Library are for a period of two weeks. Materials borrowed from other libraries have various loan periods and some may have charges attached.

Circulation Regulations

1. Overdues

A fine of 20 cents per day per item is charged for materials returned after the date due, with Sundays, holidays, and anytime the library is closed excluded. Patrons who have fines in excess of $2.00 will be unable to check out any more items or use the library’s computers until they are returned and fines are paid in full.

2. Reserve/Hold Items

Resident and Non-Resident patrons may place their own holds/reserves on items from our library or other libraries within the Illinois Heartland Library System using their home/office computers and visiting the library’s online catalog at splp.illshareit.com. Books and other materials may also be obtained by resident and non-resident users by requesting materials in person or by phone.

Replacement Prices of Library Materials

Fines are charged at 20 cents per day up to the price of the item. Thereafter, the price of the book plus $5.00 are levied on all lost or long overdue books. A patron cannot expect reimbursement of monies if a lost book is found, since the library has been without the use of the book and the employees’ time and notification expense must be met.