RESIDENTS (NEW AND RENEWING)
Any resident, age three (3) or older, who lives within the corporate city limits of Fairview Heights, is eligible for a free library card. The library card is renewable in three (3) years from date of issue. LIBRARY CARDS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.
To apply or renew a library card, adults 18 years old and up, must present a valid Illinois photo I.D. showing their current Fairview Heights address. In the absence of this, two pieces of identification, to include a photo i.d. plus something with their nameand a current Fairview Heights address will be required. The identification may include two of the following :
- Driver’s license
- Military i.d. (for photo use)
- Voter’s registration
- Checkbook
- Tax receipt (for address claimed)
- Utility bill (phone, power, water, sewer)
- Mortgage or Deed
- Signed lease agreement or occupancy permit from the City of Fairview Heights issued within last 30 days.
Other identification with their name, address or photo may be accepted at the discretion of the library staff member on duty. (e.g. car registrations, renter or homeowner insurance policy)
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will sign the card for the minor. Legal guardians must show proof of guardianship.A library card will be refused if there is no proper identification.
RENEWING:
All fines and fees must be cleared from the patron’s account before their library card can be renewed.
RESIDENTS (LOST CARD)
If replacing a lost unexpired card, just one ID with their name and a current Fairview Heights address is required.
NONRESIDENTS
Nonresidents (anyone residing outside the corporate city limits of Fairview Heights) may purchase a Nonresident card. This card, which must be renewed annually, entitles the holder access to all materials and services available at the Fairview Heights Public Library, as well as reciprocal privileges at all participating Illinois public libraries. The fee for this card shall be set annually by the Library Board of Trustees in accordance with 75ILCS 5/4-7(12) which specifies that the fee shall be “at least equal to the cost paid by the residents…according to the formula established by the Illinois State Library”. Current and proper identification must be presented at the time of application.
NONRESIDENT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS & LESSORS
A business card may be issued in accordance with 75 ILCS 5/4-7(12). “A nonresident who as an individual, or as a partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner, owns taxable property, or is a senior administrative officer of a firm, business or corporation owning taxable property within the city… ” shall be issued a nonresident library card with full privileges upon presentation of the most recent tax bill for that taxable property. Additionally, multiple nonresident owners or lessors at a single property are able to apply for a library card and use library services. The cards are not transferable and must be renewed annually.
NONRESIDENT PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS & LESSORS
Per Illinois General Assembly legislation enacted on 8/14/18 (P.A. 100-0875) a nonresident fee will not be applied to a nonresident who owns or leases property that is taxed for library service. The nonresident owner or leaseholder must present either the most recent tax bill for the property or a copy of the commercial lease. Additionally, multiple nonresident owners or lessors at a single property are able to apply for a library card and use library services. This card is not transferable and must be renewed annually.
Non-Resident “Cards for Kids”
As permitted by Public Act 102-0843, the Expanded Cards for Kids Act, child non-resident cards will be issued free of charge to any person under 18 years old who:
- Does not live within the corporate limits of the City of Fairview Heights, and
- Does not live within the corporate limits of another library’s service area, and
- Resides within the boundaries and pays property taxes to either Fairview Heights school district: Pontiac -William Holliday School District 105 or Grant Community Consolidated School District 110.
- If an applicant is 18 years of age or older and still attending high school, a card will be issued for the duration of their high school year provided the residence pays property taxes to either Fairview Heights school district: Pontiac -William Holliday School District 105 or Grant Community Consolidated School District 110.
Obtaining a Card
The identification required for obtaining a card follows the standard rules for Fairview Heights residents, please refer to the list under Residents (New and Renewing)
Children and teens ages 3-17 may receive a card with permission from a parent or legal guardian.
A parent or guardian must provide documentation verifying residence within the eligible school districts.
Non-Resident Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans can qualify for a free non-resident library card through the Homestead exemption for Veterans (35 ILCS 200/15-169). This benefit is available to:
- veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence. You must live in Illinois but live outside a library’s taxing area.
- The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for this exemption prior to death.
- An unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty.
Veterans who pay a fee to rent or lease their accommodation
The non-resident fee shall not apply to veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who do not own their principal residence and who reside outside of a public library service area. (23 ILL. Adm. Code 3050.60 (d)
Obtaining a Card
This benefit can be claimed at the public library nearest their residence that participates in the non-resident library card program. This is determined by the proximity of the non-resident address to the location of a participating library.
To qualify, veterans or surviving spouses must provide proof of their disabled status, through documentation such as a VA disability award letter or current St. Clair County property tax information that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes.
Amended: 8/20/26
