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FAQs

General FAQs
Do I need to have my library card to use the library services? 

Patrons must either have their library card or know their barcode number to use certain services at the Library. 

Library Cards are necessary for: materials checkout, renewal/request of items and any other activity that requires staff to access patrons’ records. 

Use of WiFi, Patron Computer Terminals and Mobile Printing DO NOT require a Library card, nor does browsing of library materials.

Can I use a computer at the library? 

Allerton Public Library District has six (6) Patron Terminals for general use and two (2) OPAC Terminals for access to the online catalog ONLY

Patron Terminals are available for use for 2 hours per 24 hour period per person (does not have to be consecutive 2 hours)

Persons wishing to use the Patron Terminals can enter their valid library card number at the terminal. Those without a library card can ask for a guest pass number at the circulation desk.

OPAC Online Catalog terminals do not require a Library Card.

Timing software on each Patron Terminal keeps track of patron usage.

Does the Library have WiFi? 

The Library has WiFi available in the building, the surrounding yard, and parking lot.

Initiate the connection to “APL-WiFi” with your device; be sure to find the pop-up box and click “Connect” within the box. If the pop-up box cannot be found, open the default Internet browser on your device and refresh browser right after connection. Pop-up may then appear in browser.

The WiFi connection lasts approximately 30 minutes per session so large downloads are not always feasible. There is no limit to number of sessions.

Can I print or make copies at the library? 

A self-service copier is available to all persons during regular library hours. Those needing assistance with the copier should ask for help at the Circulation Desk.

Prints can be made from any of the Patron Terminals. The print request is directed to the Circulation Desk where staff will verify your request and finalize the print job.

The print/copy fees are $.15 per side for BW and $.50 per side for Color. Please pay for copies at the copy machine using nickels, dimes, quarters, dollar bills and five dollar bills. Please pay for computer prints at the Circulation Desk.

We ask that users of the copier be considerate to others. If anyone else is waiting to use the copier, please confine yourself to making 20 copies.

U.S. Copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by the principles of “fair use.” Users may not copy or distribute electronic materials (including electronic mail, text, images, programs, or data) without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. Any responsibility for any consequences of copyright infringement lies with the user. The library expressly disclaims any liability of responsibility resulting for such use.

Is there a fax machine at the library? 

The library’s fax machine number is (217)762-2021.

The cost of a fax transmission is $1.00 for each page sent or received, up to five pages ($5.00), within the continental United States. Any fax that is more than five pages with cost a flat $5.00 fee. A cover page is free of charge. Outside the continental United States, telephone and operator charges will be added to the cost of the transmission.

Is mobile printing available? 

Use Mobile Printing to print to the patron printer at Allerton Public Library:  From your home computer, tablet, or smartphone AND/OR from anywhere with internet access, including Allerton Library Wi-Fi connections. More information on Mobile Printing available HERE

Access Mobile Printing Service

How do I reserve a room at the library? 

Allerton Public Library District allows the reservation of our Program Room when it is not in use for library events. Take a look at our Program Room Policy to see if your gathering or event qualifies. A $50 deposit may be required at the time of reservation, and can be paid by cash or check. Walk-ins of 3 or fewer people are allowed, as long as the Program Room is not in use. Walk-ins do not require a deposit.

Download the Program Room Policy HERE.Download the Program Room Agreement form HERE.

 

Where do I find Piatt County voting information? 

Information on registering to vote, ballots, and polling locations is available at PiattCounty.org

Where do I find tax forms? 

Tax forms can be found at IL State Taxes and IRS.gov

 

Library Cards
All Library Cards: 

All adults wishing to register for a new library card must bring with them their driver’s license or photo ID and proof of current Monticello address.

These forms of address identification include, but are not limited to, driver’s license, utility bills, mail, or voter’s registration card.

All children may be issued their own library card at any age. Children under the age of 18 must have a parent signature on any initial application for a library card. Children may use the proof of residency provided by their parent.

There is no fee to replace all damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen library cards.

Monticello Township Resident Cards: 

Residents residing in Monticello Township are entitled to a library card without charge as they pay taxes to support the library.

Resident cards are valid in all Illinois Heartland Library System libraries.

Resident Library cards must be renewed every 2 years, without additional fees, provided the library card holder continues to reside within Monticello Township and is a patron in good standing.

Monticello Township Property Owner Card: 

If you live outside of Monticello Township but own property in Monticello Township, there is no charge for a library card. You’ve already paid library taxes through your Monticello Township property tax bill. Please bring the most current Monticello Township tax bill as proof that you own the property to apply for a Non-Resident Property Owners card.

Property owner cards are valid in all Illinois Heartland Library System libraries.

Property Owner Cards must be renewed every year without additional fees provided the library card holder continues to own property within Monticello Township and is a patron in good standing. Patrons are required to bring in their driver’s license or photo ID and current tax bill every year to renew.

Unserved Non-Resident Card 
(MORE INFORMATION):

Anyone who does not live in a taxing district for library service must pay a non-resident fee.

Non-resident annual fees are determined by calculating the library tax the non-resident borrower’s property would be assessed if it were located in Monticello Township. The cost for Non-resident property owners will be the net taxable value multiplied by .0019686. Non-resident renters will pay $75 as their annual non-resident fee.

Non-Resident Cards are valid in all Illinois Heartland Library System libraries.

Non-Resident Cards are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Patrons are required to bring in their driver’s license or photo ID and current tax bill or lease every year to renew.

 

Fines and Fees
Books, CDs and Magazines 

Books, CDs and Magazines circulate for 3 weeks and can be renewed up to 3 times (for a total borrowed time of 9 weeks) if no other patron is waiting for the item. There are NO FINES for overdue books, CDs and magazines.

If one of these items is kept for 30 days beyond the due date, it will automatically be marked as Lost in our system and a bill will be charged to the borrowing patron’s account for the price of a replacement. If the item is returned within 90 days of the issue of the bill, the replacement charge will be waived.

DVDs 

DVDs circulate for 7 days. One (1) renewal is available for DVDs. There are NO FINES for overdue DVDs.

Technology Devices 

Technology devices such as Roku sticks circulate for 7 days and cannot be renewed. There is a $1.00 overdue fine per day on devices.

If one of these items is kept for 30 days beyond the due date, it will automatically be marked as Lost in our system and a bill will be charged to the borrowing patron’s account for the price of a replacement. If the item is returned within 90 days of the issue of the bill, the replacement charge will be waived.

Inter-Library Loan (SHARE) Books 

Inter-Library Loan (SHARE) books circulate based on the lending libraries’ loan policies. Fines are assessed for inter-library loan items based on our library’s fine policy.

Reference Items 

Reference items are non-circulating and must be viewed at the library.

eBooks & Digital Media 

eBooks and other Digital Media circulate based on each individual eReading Application

 

Online Catalog

The Online Catalog is both a Searchable Catalog and a Login Terminal for Patron Library Accounts.

Patron Guide to the OPAC Brochure

 

icon: share mobile app

Mobile App

Access the online catalog and your Patron Library Account on the SHARE Mobile Library app.

The SHARE app is available for both iPhone and Android.

How do I find/Request/Renew Books Online? 

LOGIN to your library account using your library card 14 digit barcode and password (passwords are automatically set as the last 4 digits of your phone number when your library card is issued. To reset your password, contact the library).

Use the “Search” option to find books by author, subject, title, etc.

Request a hold using the “Request” button on the left side of an item page.

Renew titles by finding the tab “My Account” and selecting “Items Out”. Checkmark the box to the left of titles to renew and then scroll to the bottom and select “Renew Selected Items.” Only active, non-expired cards have the ability for online renewal.

LOGIN link can be found below.

How do I checkout Digital Books and Media? 

HOW DO I CHECKOUT DIGITAL BOOKS AND MEDIA?

Several eReading and other Digital Media Collections are available to Allerton Public Library Patrons via downloadable apps.

Directions, links and tutorials are available at our Digital Media page, linked below.

Please contact the library (217) 762-4676 with any questions about accessing digital materials.

Does the Library Have Additional Digital Resources? 

The online databases can be accessed in the menu on the left side of the Allerton Public Library Online Catalog Portal. Databases require Patron login using an Allerton Public Library card number.

Resources include Heritage Quest, Piatt County Legal Self-Help Center, and the Illinois State Archives.

 

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