Library Cards
Welcome to the Effingham Public Library of Effingham, IL! We look forward to assisting you at our library. Many of our services are available without a library card, but if you’d like to check out items, you can apply for a library card using one of the card types below. We offer a wide range of card types and are happy to assist you in finding the right one for your situation. Or you can begin a quick application online here, though you’ll still need to come into the library and complete the verification process.
All items from the Effingham Public Library are available for 14 days. However, check-out periods may differ for materials obtained from other libraries.
Effingham Public Library is funded by city taxpayers and library cards are available at no charge to Effingham residents. We will need a photo ID and proof of your address or the tax bill for the property within the city limits when you fill out your library card application.
Paper ApplicationA child (16 and younger) may receive his/her own library card with the consent of an adult cardholder. The adult cardholder will need to show a photo ID and proof of your address at the time of completing the application for a child.
Paper ApplicationLibrary cards are available at no charge to Effingham businesses. We will need proof of your address or the tax bill for the property within the city limits when you fill out your library card application.
Paper ApplicationFor those who physically can’t visit the library, the library offers an outreach card application that will enable qualifying residents to receive books once a month.
For questions about our Outreach Services, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Sara Rauch, at sara@effinghamlibrary.org.
Paper ApplicationA non-resident card is available for people who live outside of the Effingham city limits. The fee is different for every non-resident as it is based on your property tax bill or your monthly rent. The fee is applied annually and covers every person living in the household.
Online Application: Non-Resident Library Card Payment Form
Paper ApplicationAn eResources card is available to non-resident people that are only interested in accessing the digital apps. The fee is $100.00 annually and it covers every person living in the household.
Paper ApplicationThe new Cards for Kids Act is an amendment to Illinois Public Library Non-Resident Services that allows students in prekindergarten through 12th grade to obtain a library card with full borrowing privileges free of charge if they:
- Live in an unserved area within Effingham County
- Meet Income Eligibility Guidelines shown below
Cards covered by this Act will only be registered in a student’s name and are good for one year.
Please view application below for Income Eligibility Guidelines.
Paper Application
