Library Information
Frequently Asked Questions




How do I get a library card?
All residents age 5 and over residing within the boundaries of Johnsburg School District 12 are entitled to a library card. Adults must present a photo ID, as well as proof of current address. Minors age 17 and under must have their parent/legal guardian present when obtaining their library card. Patrons may use their Johnsburg Public Library cards at most Illinois public libraries, as long as there are no overdue items or late fees on their card. Patrons with valid library cards from other Illinois public libraries may use their home library card to check out all materials from the Johnsburg Public Library.

Do I have to have my library card with me in order to check materials out?
Yes you do. All patrons must have their library card with them in order to check out materials. If you’ve already selected items for check out and have left your library card at home, we will hold the items at the front desk for you.

What if I’ve lost my library card?
There is a $2.00 replacement for a lost library card. Cards that have been damaged or worn during normal wear and tear may be brought in for a free replacement.

Do library cards expire?
Yes, they do. Cards are valid for a three-year period. Do not throw out an expired card! Bring the expired card in and library staff will confirm your current address and phone number and then renew your card. You will be charged the $2.00 replacement fee for discarded or lost expired cards that are still on file at the library.

How long can items be checked out and what are the late charges?
Please see Loan Policies for details. You may also check the status of items currently checked out on your card and any existing fines by using the “My Info" button on the library’s online catalog.

How many items can I check out?
There is no limit on the number of items you can check out.

What if I’ve lost or damaged an item?
You must pay the replacement cost of the item, as well as a non-refundable $5.00 processing fee. If a lost and paid item is found and returned within 3 months of payment, the cost of the item will be refunded.

Can items be renewed?
All items, except videos, DVDs, and interlibrary loan materials, can be renewed as long as someone else has not placed a hold request on it. Items may be renewed twice, either in person or by phone. Due to their extended loan period, items from the Homeschool Resource Center may only be renewed once.

How do I reserve an item the library owns?
Holds can be placed in person, by phone, or via the library’s web catalog. See Tutorial: How to Put an Item on HOLD for details. The library cannot accept hold requests for videos or DVDs. You will be notified by phone when the item is ready to be picked up.

Your library doesn’t own the item I want. What do I do?
You can submit an interlibrary loan request and we will try to obtain the item for you from another library. You may place your request in person, by phone, or via the Interlibrary Loan Request Form on the library’s website. You will be notified by phone when the item is ready to be picked up.

Does the library accept donations of materials?
The library accepts donations of books and audiovisual materials in good condition. Donations may be dropped off at the library any time during regular business hours. Donations not added to the library’s collection are put in the library’s book sale. The library does not accept donations of magazines or outdated textbooks and encyclopedias.

Do you have school textbooks?
The Johnsburg Educational Partnership Foundation has purchased copies of the textbooks used in grades 3-8 for students in Johnsburg School District 12. These textbooks can be found in the Youth Services area of the library. These textbooks are for in-library use only and cannot be checked out. Textbooks for students in Johnsburg High School are available in the library’s Homeschool Resource Center and may be checked out for a period of six weeks.