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Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see the answer you're looking for, just ask!
Why do I need identification to get a library card? We require ID to ensure that the borrower lives in our service area (by state law, the library card has to be issued from the city where you live) and to help us track the proper return of materials borrowed. It's part of our fiscal responsibility. For minors, we accept school IDs and identification from their parents.
Do you lend DVDs out to other libraries? Yes. As a new policy, we will lend out DVDS that have been on our shelves four months or more. In return, our patrons will be able to borrow DVDs from more places than were available before. Standard rental rates and checkout periods apply.
How do I save a document while working on a library computer? If you have your own flash drive (a portable memory stick) you can save your file to it. This allows you save your work for use later on another computer that has compatible software. Remember to follow the procedure for safely removing the flash drive when you're done. If you're not sure how to do this, ask. New flash drives are available for purchase from library service desks.
What kind of E-Readers are compatible with your Overdrive ebook collections? Overdrive compatible devices include the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble NOOK, Sony Readers, Kobo, and other types, plus smart phones such as Android and Blackberry, and Mac devices, such as the iPod, iPad, iPhone. For details, please see 'Download This.'
Will Overdrive work with a Kindle? Yes! OverDrive and Kindle rolled out Kindle book compatibility this fall. No special software is required. For details and instruction guides, see Download This, Device Compatibility.
Why can't I get into OverDrive? Use of our OverDrive subscription requires a current Rock Island Library card. If you are having trouble getting into OverDrive, check to make sure that your card is not expired, and that it is cleared of excess fines or damage charges.
Why won't my link to the catalog work? We changed to a new catalog, called RiverShare, in November. We no longer use the PrairieCat system, so that link is now obsolete. Please change your Internet browser's bookmarks or favorites to the new RiverShare catalog address.
How do I renew items by phone? Please use the NEW phone renewal number, which is 563-823-5565. You'll need to have your library card and the items handy by the phone. Items must be renewed before they are due. The system also will not renew the item if there is a hold waiting.
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.
Renew Books
Easy ways to renew books and other items:
- Bring the item and your library card into any member of the RiverShare Libraries group. These libraries use the same computer system and can renew items from other libraries, as long as the item qualfies for renewal and does not have other holds waiting. Please note that 7-day entertainment DVDs are not eligible for renewal.
- Use the self-check at any of our three Rock Island Library locations.
- Use online renewal, the simplest way to renew items. You'll need to have your library barcode and password handy. Click the catalog link from our website, and select patron account in the menu tabs at the top of the page. Enter your barcode and PIN. In your patron account screen, select "Items Out" to see a list of everything you have checked out. "Renew Selected Items" (after checking individual titles) or "Renew All Items" to renew. Wait for the confirmation, as not all items may be eligible for renewal.
- Call 563-823-5565, the NEW phone renewal number. Have your card and the items you're renewing handy, and follow the phone prompts to renew. The system will give you a new due date if the renewal is successful.
Things to know about renewal:
- The RiverShare computer system will not renew on delinquent or expired accounts.
- You may only renew items once. The system won't allow the renewal on the second try.
- If the item has holds waiting on it, the system will not renew the item. The original due date remains.
- Items that are already overdue may not be renewed. You must renew items on or before the due date.
- Please note that the old phone renewal number previously used for the PrairieCat system will no longer work with your card.
- If items are not renewable, you will need to return the item by its original due date in order to avoid fines.
Remember that if you've signed up for e-mail or text notification, we'll automatically remind you three days before an item is due. To save a dime, return on time!
If you have any questions about renewal policies, please call Circulation at 309-732-7323 (READ). Sorry, library staff cannot renew items by phone.
Get a Newsfeed of Library Headlines
This website has several "feeds", which allow you to automatically receive links to news and events as they're posted on the site. Using feeds is a convenient way to keep up with as many blogs, news sites, and other websites as you like. For a quick tutorial about feeds and how they work, see Common Craft's RSS in Plain English video.
Feeds are marked with a special icon 
, which you click to "subscribe" to the feed by adding it to whichever program you use as a feed reader (see below).
Feeds on this site include:
- Library news
- Items featured on the Home page
- Events
There are a number of tools available for subscribing to and reading feeds. Here are a few examples:
- Online feed readers, such as Google Reader or Bloglines.
- Software, such as NewsGator, that you download and install on your computer.
- Widgets for your own web space or portal, such as on MySpace, Google, or My Yahoo.
- The toolbars on some web browsers, like Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox.
- RSS feed support in some email programs, like Outlook 2007.
Each tool has its own specific instructions for adding feeds, but the process is usually as simple as pasting in the feed's address or selecting from a menu.