It All Starts With a Library Card!

Submitted by LibraryAdmin on May 8, 2009 - 3:08pm.

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.