Get a Library Card
If you live in Rock Island, Milan, or within the Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District, you may get a library card free of charge. Identification is required.
Your library card allows you to:
- Borrow books and more materials from us, other Quad City libraries and from most other public libraries in the local area.
- Use free online research tools to quickly find information you can't get just by searching the web. Find magazine articles, genealogy records, business and medical information, language learning tools, online encyclopedias, stock information, practice exams and more!
- Check your account and renew some items online.
- Download e-books and e-Audiobooks.
- Use our Internet and word processing PCs
Getting a Library Card:
A person must be five years old to get a library card. Children ages 5 to 12 need a parent or guardian signature of approval before a card can be issued. Children 13 and older may apply for a card on their own. Proof of address is required.
Your Responsibilities
Use of a library card comes with certain responsibilties. If your card is lost or stolen, notify us immediately. By applying for a card, you agree that you will comply with library policies for use of materials and services. To keep your card in good standing, return materials promptly and in good condition. Fees may be assessed for lost or damaged items. Cards may be blocked for misuse.
Apply for a Library Card
Apply for a Library Card
Library cards are required to use public computers, check out and renew items, and to use web-based library services from home. To apply, come to the Circulation Desk at any Rock Island Library, and fill out a short application. If you present two forms of identification, you may have the card the same day. If you have only one form of ID, we will mail your card. You may check out up to three items with one form of ID.
Special Rules for Children's Cards
- A person must be five years of age or older to get a card.
- Children from age 5 to 12 must have a parent's or guardian's signature to get a card.
- Children 13 and over may apply for a card under their own name.
Accepted Identification
Valid forms of ID must contain a current name and address. The library requires proof of address to issue a card to ensure that the cardholder lives in our service area.
Forms of ID may include:
- Drivers License or State ID Card
- Voter's Registration card
- Utility Bill
- Rent Receipt/Lease Agreement
- Property Tax receipt
- Illinois Department of Public Aid medical card
- Bank Statement
- Gun Permit
- Car Registration
- Selective Service card
- Car insurance card (if it contains an address)
- Current piece of mail addressed to patron (postmarked within previous three months)
Why do you require identification?
By state law, the library card has to be issued from the taxing district where you live or own property. Proper identification also helps the Rock Island Library track the return of materials borrowed, which is part of our fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. For minors, we accept school IDs and identification from parents.