Patron Library Cards

Need to obtain a library card?

City of Pontiac residents

Free Pontiac Public Library cards are available to all patrons residing within the city limits of Pontiac.  Any resident 18 years of age and older may receive an adult library card upon completion of an application and provision of a valid photo ID and proof of current address. Acceptable forms of identification include valid Illinois driver's license or other government-issued photo ID with current address, a recent utility bill, signed lease agreement, personalized check, or recent mail with postmark.

The Pontiac Public Library reserves the right not to issue a library card to anyone who cannot provide identification and/or address verification. The Library also reserves the right to restrict the borrowing privileges of any person who has overdue materials and/or accumulated fines or charges.

Minors

A parent or legal guardian's signature is required for anyone under the age of 18 to obtain a library card. The child and the parent must both be present. By signing the registration form, parents/guardians acknowledge responsibility for the items borrowed, fees incurred, and their child's selection of materials.

Emancipated minors who have proof of their court ordered emancipation may receive an adult card without parental consent.

Non-residents who want usage of Pontiac Public Library's collection

Any resident of another public library district in the state of Illinois may register their card and use it at the Pontiac Public Library. Active library cards from many other area libraries, can be registered and entered into our computer system making use of this library very easy. 

Non-residents who do not have a library in their community may qualify to purchase a library card with full borrowing privileges (State laws pertaining to non-resident card issuance will be referenced to determine qualification). The annual fee for these cards is set by the Library Board of Trustees and follows a state formula based on annual local tax support of the library. A photo ID showing your current address along with payment of the annual non-resident fee will be required to receive a card. Additional documentation may be required by some area townships in order to waive a portion of the annual non-resident fee. Please contact the Library at (815) 844-7229 to determine if this additional documentation is needed based on your specific address.  

If during the course of the year, a patron moves from a Pontiac address to an out-of-area address, the patron will be required to pay the non-resident fee if he/she wishes to retain Pontiac Public Library borrowing privileges, or register a local library card from a reciprocal library with the Pontiac Public Library.

Renewal of Library Cards

All resident library cards are valid for three years. Non-resident cards are valid for one year. If your library card has expired, please bring the card and proof of your current address with you to the Library to renew your card. (Exception: Residents of any community that has a current "Contract for Library Service" in effect with the Pontiac Public Library may be issued cards with an expiration date shorter than three years from date of issue.)

Lost or Stolen Cards

If your library card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately to the Circulation Department at 815-844-7229. You are responsible for any items checked out or fines accrued on your card until it has been reported to the Library as lost or stolen.