Morris Area Public Library

General
The primary purpose of this library is to provide library service to the residents of the library district.  In addition, these services are available, with special provisions, to nonresidents wishing to use them.

Borrowers may check out as many books and magazines as desired subject to the reasonable discretion of the Library Director provided that it does not deplete the collection in one area.  The checkout of other materials may be restricted based on the demand for the materials.

Application Requirements
All library card applicants must provide their name, address, telephone number, secondary contact information, date of birth, and a signature.  Proof of residency will be verified by the applicant providing a photo ID and one of the following documents: current month's utility bill, current lease agreement, and/or property tax statement.

*    Residents age 18 or over: Upon proper application, or presentation of expired borrower's card, any adult age 18 or over shall be issued a library card which entitles them to use the facilities of the library and to check out materials.  Library cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance, or until termination of residence in the district, whichever period is shorter.

*    Residents under 18 years of age: The signature of one parent or guardian is required on the library card applications of all residents under 18 years of age.  The parent(s) or guardian(s) of residents under the age of 18 will be held accountable for the items checked out on the youth's card.

*    Nonresident borrowers: Any family not residing in the library district, upon proper application and payment of the nonresident fee, may be issued a library card which entitles members of the family to use the facilities of the library and to check out materials.  Such cards shall be valid for one year.  Nonresident card fees are not refundable.  Nonresidents who display a current real estate tax receipt for property within the Morris Area Public Library District may receive a nonresident card without charge.  Any rules cited above pertaining to residents shall likewise apply to nonresidents.

Library cards are nontransferable.  Cardholders are responsible for notifying the library of lost or stolen cards. 

Confidentiality of Records
The Morris Area Public Library abides by the Library Records Confidentiality Act, 75 ILCS 70/1, which provides that registration and circulation records are confidential  Registration records include any information a patron provides in order for that patron to become eligible to borrow books and other materials  Circulation records include all information identifying the patron borrowing particular books or materials.  The Morris Area Public Library does not make available registration or circulation records to any party except in compliance with the law.  The Morris Area Public Library does not make available lists of registered library patrons except in compliance with the law.  Law enforcement officers requesting confidential information may be asked to complete the Officer’s Request for Confidential Library Information form.

Fees and Charges
Fees for overdue items shall be $.10 per day for each item per day, including Sundays and holidays, with a maximum fine to be $6.00 per item.  The library observes a five-day grace period before fines are charged, and fines will be applied retroactively for items that are overdue beyond the five-day grace period.  Fines will be applied retroactively for items that are overdue beyond the five-day grace period.

A nonresident may purchase a card for a fee to be determined by the Board in compliance with state law on an annual basis.

The charge for lost books is the list price of the book plus accumulated fines.

No refunds for lost books will be given after two (2) months.  The receipt issued for payment of lost books must be turned in to receive a refund within the two (2) month period.

Lost cards will be replaced for a fee.

Board and staff members shall be exempt from all overdue and nonresident fees.  This privilege shall not extend to members of their families.