Library Cards

Getting and Using a Library Card

Who can get a Library card?

Atwood-Hammond Public Library cards are free of charge to eligible residents living in Douglas, Moultrie, and Piatt counties.

How do I get a library card?

Residents need to show proof of residency. To verify residence, a current government-issued photo identification with the resident’s home address must be provided. A current school issued ID from an educational institution located in the service area may be provided in place of government issued identification when necessary.

If the address on the identification is not current, one of the following items must also be shown to verify residence:

  • current property tax bill

  • current utility bill

  • current title/lease/renter’s agreement

  • current account statement from bank/credit card/phone/etc

  • mail postmarked within the last 30 days to the resident’s home address.

Digital library card (coming soon!)

If you’re eligible for an Atwood-Hammond Public Library Card, there’s no need to make a special trip to one of our branches – get verified and get a digital library card all online. You’ll get instant access to our digital services, including streaming movies, ebooks, and e-audiobooks and our entire physical collection, too. You can also place holds and pick up physical items. If you decide you want a physical card later, just stop by one of our locations.

Cards from other Illinois Libraries (Reciprocal Borrowers)

Non-Resident “Fee” Cards for those who live outside of Atwood-Hammond Public Library service area who wish to purchase library privileges.

Non-resident Taxpayer Cards for non-residents who own taxable property in the Atwood-Hammond Public Library service area.

Business Cards for any Business entity, profit or nonprofit, that owns or rents property in the Atwood-Hammond Public Library service area.

How often do I have to renew my card?

Resident cards are valid for 3 years and may be renewed in person with one valid picture identification showing name and proof of residence in the Atwood-Hammond Public Library service area.

University students are issued a library card with a one-year expiration date.

Individuals under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian sign an application form or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can supply acceptable adult identification.

People with a library card from other libraries

All Reciprocal Borrowers who register their cards with the Atwood-Hammond Public Library will be given the same expiration date as the one on their home Library account. Please note that Reciprocal Borrowers do not have access to electronic resources due to restrictions required by vendors.

Access your Library Account

You can access your Library account information with your library card number and password. The default password is the birth date month and day. Go to the Library Catalog and type in your card number and password.

Once logged in, click on My Account near the top of the screen to view items currently checked out, renew items, view or place reserves, and see your fines. Remember to click on the Logout button when you are finished.

What if my card is misplaced, lost or stolen?

If your library card is damaged or lost, a replacement card will be issued when you provide one form of identification. The original library card will be invalidated.

If your card is lost or stolen, let us know immediately

In cases of unauthorized use of a lost or stolen card, the cardholder will be responsible for all costs and charges.

Renewals

Library materials may be renewed 2 times, as long as there is no pending request for the material. Our system will automatically renew eligible materials.

Materials that can’t be renewed are; Tech equipment, and Interlibrary Loan materials. Library renewals are not permitted if you have a fine of $10 or more.

Phone Renewal

Call (217) 578-2727 to renew by phone.

Renewing Library Materials Online

Log into your account on the Atwood-Hammond Public Library webpage.

Enter your library card number (or username) and password (PIN).

Click “Items Out”.

Check the items to be renewed, or click the checkbox in the header to select all.

Then click the “Renew Selected Items” button. If an item cannot be renewed, there will be an alert on the screen.

How to Change Your Password or Username

In the Library Catalog click on “My Account”, then log in.

Click on “My Record” and then “Change Logon”.

Ask a Librarian

Have a question? You can reach us the following ways…

Phone | You can reach the Reference Desk staff at (217) 578-2727.

E-mail | You can email your questions in at anytime at ahlibrary@hotmail.com

We will try to get back to you within one business day.