It All Starts With a Library Card!

Your access to thousands and thousands of free and low-cost resources at your Rock Island Library starts with a library card. Additionally, library cards allow you to benefit from other library services, such as free Internet access, downloadable eBooks and using web-based library services from home. Your library card is the smartest card in your wallet. 

Rock Island Library is a member of the RiverShare Libraries group, a consortium of 20 public and academic libraries with 30 locations in in the Quad City area.

Here are four more great things about having a Library card: 

1. You can use any library card from the RiverShare Libraries group to borrow items from the Rock Island Library. Patrons of PrairieCat Libraries can also borrow items from us through reciprocal borrowing, and you can borrow items in person at area PrairieCat library members. Online hold privileges are extended to RiverShare patrons only.

2. You can quickly and easily renew your books online and by phone.

3. You can sign up for free e-mail, phone or text reminders that let you know when books on hold are available - or when the item is coming due. 

4. You can reserve library items from home for pick up at the library of your choice.

More stuff you should know: 

Most items check out for three weeks, with a maximum of one renewal. Vacation checkouts and teacher checkouts of six weeks are available.

Some exceptions include 7-day DVDs, which are not renewable, and new (current issue) magazines, which must be read in the library. Back issue magazines check out for three weeks.

A person must be 5 years old to receive a library card. Cards for children ages 5 to 12 require a parent's signature for approval. Children 13 and older may apply for a library card on their own.

You're liable for materials checked out on your card, so call us immediately if your card is lost or stolen. You may also want to think twice before lending your library card to another, for the same reason. 

Computer users must use their own card for Internet access. Use of another person's card or card number may result in loss of Internet privileges.

 

How to get a library card

How to get a library card

  • If you live in the City of Rock Island or in the Milan-Blackhawk Area Library District, you are eligible for a Rock Island Public Library card.  If you aren't sure if your address is in our service area, please check our service area map at  files/images/RI_Library_Service_Area.pdf  or call 309-732-READ (7323).
  • To receive your card, come to the Circulation Desk  at any of our three locations, 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 you your card.  Children twelve and under must have a parent's or guardian's signature.
  • Library cards are free when you first apply or when you renew.  If your card is lost or stolen, contact the library immediately so your account can be made inactive. You are liable for checkouts made on your card.  You may report the loss in person at the Circulation Desk or call the number at the top of the page.  There is a $5 replacement fee for a lost card.
  • As long as your Rock Island Library card remains in good standing (no excess fines, etc.), you may use it at any of the 30 library locations in the RiverShare Libraries group.
  • RiverShare Libraries and Prairie Cat Libraries also offer limited reciprocal borrowing privileges to each others' patrons. This means you can check out or return items in person at a library using the PrairieCat catalog and PrairieCat patrons can check out items in person at libraries using the RiverShare catalog.  Each system restricts online holds as a privilege for member cards.