Library Cards & Borrowing Information

How Do I Get A Library Card?

Library cards are available free of charge to persons of any age who reside within the boundaries of the Green Hills Public Library District.  Identification and proof of residency are required at the time a Library card is issued.  Patrons under the age of 18 may become a cardholder only with the cooperation and consent of the applicant’s custodial parent or legal guardian.  The custodial parent or legal guardian must be present at the time of Library card activation and should be prepared to show proper identification as outlined above.  An individual who owns property or a business within the Library District may also receive one Library card in their name with current proof of ownership such as a property tax bill.

Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the Library immediately.  Patrons are responsible for any materials charged out on their card.

A non-resident Library card is available for a yearly fee of $210.00.  This card entitles the holder to the same access privileges as the resident card.  Borrowing privileges are extended to individuals who are valid cardholders of other Illinois libraries in conjunction with the statewide reciprocal borrowing agreement, upon completion of registration with the District.

Borrowing of District materials shall be permitted when an individual (1) provides proof of identity as the cardholder listed on the library card, (2) establishes good standing as a library cardholder at his or her home library, and (3) agrees to abide by all District policies and procedures, as amended from time to time.

Residents can sign up for a digital card to access all of our online resources including ebooks, eaudiobooks, online databases, homework help, and more.  Users must be at least 13 years of age to register.  Sign up online and get confirmation instantly.

Loan Policies

*Eligible for a 6-week vacation loan with no renewals.
^Renewals will be automatic provided there are no holds on the item(s), the renewal limit has not been reached, and/or the patron’s account balance is less than $10.00.   

Overdue Fines

The Green Hills Public Library District is a fine free Library.  This means that any user checking out materials at GHPLD, regardless of residency, will not be charged overdue fines.  Instead of an overdue fine, an alert will be placed on user accounts once an item is overdue for 14 days or longer.  This alert will prevent future use of the Library card.  Once an overdue item is returned, the alert is removed, no fines are assessed, and the Library card can be used again. 

GHPLD cardholders should be aware that they are subject to the lending policies, including any applicable fines, of other surrounding libraries that they visit.  Interlibrary loan materials remain subject to any applicable overdue fines established by the lending library.

GHPLD will charge for materials that are lost or damaged (see below).

Other Fees