Library cards are issued to Lansing Il. taxpayers upon verification of residency. Applicants may apply in person with valid identification or register online through SWAN’s registration form. All applicants are required to complete either the online registration form or a physical library card application, providing their full name, address, birthdate, and contact information.

Lansing children under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian, or responsible adult complete the online registration or apply in person on their behalf. The adult must provide proof of residency, and will assume financial responsibility for all materials borrowed on the child’s card.

The online registration process verifies that:

·       The applicant is a current taxpayer of Lansing, Illinois

·       The applicant does not already hold a library card within the SWAN consortia

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Applicants registering in person are required to complete the online registration form, except in the following cases: they have received a registration denial notice, live in unincorporated Lansing, are non-residents who pay taxes to Lansing, or are reciprocal borrowers. In these situations, patrons must provide the following documentation:

If the above photo ID does not display a valid, unexpired Lansing, IL address, residents must present a photo ID with additional proof of address:

By submitting the online registration or signing a physical application, the cardholder agrees to any and all library policies that apply to themselves and/or any minor children for whom they obtained a library card.

I agree to be responsible for this card and all materials checked out on this card from any participating SWAN libraries until this card is reported lost or missing. I assume responsibility for any charges that may result from loss or damage to materials borrowed. I agree to comply with all library and system regulations.

I agree to assume the same responsibilities for all minors for whom I obtained cards. I understand that there are no age restrictions on borrowing materials, with the exception of Library of Things items.  I further understand that any minor child will have access to Internet computers at the library.  I agree that the library, its board, and staff are in no way responsible for content on the Internet or borrowed material.

I understand that Illinois law prohibits the library staff from disclosing any information concerning materials checked out on any card (including those of minors under the age of 18) to anyone except the person whose name appears or is registered to a particular card.

However, should a minor incur a fee for a lost or damaged item, the library will contact the listed responsible adult, parent or guardian and inform them of the situation.

A patron’s current library card, in good standing, must be presented to obtain materials and use library equipment. Only the person the card is issued to is entitled to use it.  A patron whose card is lost or stolen should immediately report that information to the library. The patron is responsible for materials checked out prior to the library card being reported lost or stolen.

Lansing library cards are valid until a minor turns 18 or until the cardholder moves out of incorporated Lansing, Il. Temporary cards, non-resident cards, and reciprocal borrowing privileges have shorter expiration periods in accordance with the library’s membership policy.

Library cards may be renewed upon expiration if:

·       No current charges are pending on the account and

·       The patron provides current photo ID and proof of address

All patrons renewing or replacing their library card are required to:

·       Update their contact information

For minors, both child and parent, guardian, or responsible adult must be present to receive a replacement library card.

For taxpayers who are unable to meet the full documentation requirements listed above, the library may issue a Temporary Library Card with limited borrowing privileges.

·       Temporary card allows up to five (5) items to be checked out. Museum Adventure passes and the Library of Things items are unavailable for temporary cards.

·       The Temporary Card will expire after the 21-day period or when items are due, whichever comes first.

·       Only one (1) Temporary Card will be issued per household, and it must be an adult.

·       A postcard will be mailed to the provided Lansing address. The postcard must be returned within 21 days or before the due date of any checked-out item to receive a full-access Lansing Public Library card.

The State of Illinois has mandated a program to serve those who do not live within the service boundaries of a public library. All libraries in Illinois are required to inform their respective system by mid-August, 2002 whether they will participate or not. This decision needs to be revisited each year. This policy intends to comply with the rules in Illinois Administrative Code; Title 23; Subtitle B: Cultural Resources; Chapter 1: Secretary of State Part 3050; Public Library Non-Resident Services. Effective July 1, 2002.

Eligibility:

·       For Lansing residents outside the service boundaries of the Lansing Public Library.

·       Pursuant to §3050.60, the area of service, for those not within the boundaries of Corporate Lansing, selected by Lansing Public Library under the provisions contained herein, is bounded approximately by:

o   West: Interstate 394

o   East: Illinois/Indiana Border

o   North: Little Calumet River

o   South: Glenwood-Lansing Road

o   Excludes areas already served or annexed to another public library.

A map is available at the library to clarify these boundaries.

Fee Calculation:

Pursuant to §3050.60 Lansing Public Library has selected the first option for calculating the fee for this service.

·       The total amount of property taxes collected is divided by the population of the village (yielding the cost of library service per capita) and multiplying the result by the average number of persons per household (according to the most recent census)

·       The non-resident fee is updated annually in May and posted on the library’s website.

Payment Options:

·       Full Payment

o   Grants 1-year library privileges from the date of payment

·       Two Installments:

o   Each installment covers 6 months from the date of payment

·       No refunds will be given for non-resident fees.

Card Issuance:

·       Each household member gets an individual card.

·       Only the cardholder may use the card.

·       Cardholders are entitled to all services the Lansing Public Library provides, and are subject to the rules and policies of the library.

·       If one household member’s card is invalidated, all household cards are suspended until resolved.

All borrowers’ cards remain the property of Lansing Library.

Non-Resident Property Ownership—Taxpayers

Non-Resident Property Ownership Cards are valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of issue.

[75ILCS 5/47(12) and 75 ILCS 16/30-55,60(3)]

Eligibility:

A non-resident does not have to pay the non-resident fee if they meet any of the following conditions: [75 ILCS 5/47 (12) and 75 ILCS 16/30-55, 60(3)]

·       They own or lease property that is taxed for library services within the service area.

·       They are a partner, principal stockholder, or joint owner of such property.

·       They are a senior administrative officer of a form, business, or corporation that owns taxable property within the service area.

Requirements:

Must present the most recent property tax bill with the library tax listed for the taxable property within the library service area as proof of eligibility.

Card Issuance:

The Non-Resident Property Ownership Library Card is valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of issue.

Disabled Veterans

Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence shall not be charged a non-resident fee.

Eligibility:

·       A service – connected disability of at least 70%.

Requirements:

·       Must provide documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing:

o   A service-connected disability rating of 70% and

o   Proof that their primary residence is exempt from property taxes,

Card Issuance:

The library card is valid for one (1) calendar year. It may be renewed annually with updated, qualifying documentation.

Patrons from any Reaching Across Illinois Library system (RAILS), including Chicago Public Library, must obtain reciprocal borrowing privileges to check out material.

Eligibility:

·       Patrons from any RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System) library, including Chicago Public Library.

Requirements:

·       A valid RAILS or Chicago Public Library Card

·       A state issued photo ID

·       Proof of address dated within the last 30 days

o   The name and the address on the photo ID must match the proof of address

Verification:

·       The Lansing Public Library will verify the status and information with the patron’s home library.

·       Privileges are granted only if the library card is valid and in good standing.

Borrowing Privileges:

Valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of issued, or until the home library card expires – whichever comes first.

Obtaining a Card

School cards may be issued to any public, private, and state licensed school and preschool located in the Village of Lansing. An intergovernmental or private agreement will be required for any school that wants access to a card. Agreements are required to be signed annually to be eligible for a Lansing School card.

Requesting of Items

All requests will go through the school librarian/LRC director/preschool director and will be handled by the school liaisons and teen associate. Requests should be made by phone, email, or in-person at least two (2) business days in advance of the desired checkout date. If such a request is made within less than two business days, library staff will make a good faith effort to accommodate the educator; however, the demands of serving the public may prevent immediate fulfillment of this request. If educators would prefer to browse the collection to select their own materials they may. Their school will need to supply reasonable identification and letterhead stationery, for employees who become registered for circulation or who will pick up materials for the school.

Checkout Limits, Loan Periods and Renewals

School cards may be used to check out materials during the scheduled school year and must be returned two weeks before the end of the school year. Schools may have up to 100 items at one time. Special collection items will be limited to 3 items at one time. 

Cards may be used to check out materials at Lansing Public Library or used to obtain material via interlibrary loan from libraries in the SWAN consortium. Items will go out for a period of 3 weeks with 2 renewals if available.

Any materials that are needed during the summer school session will be handled on a case-by-case basis and permission will need to be given via school letterhead.

Excluded Items

School cards may not be used to check out technology or digital items, or resources from the Library of Things collection or museum passes.

Charges and Fees

Lansing Public Library is a fine-free library and does not charge fines for overdue materials. Materials that are overdue for 42 days will be charged as lost. Charges for lost or damaged materials will be assessed according to the Lansing Library’s Lost or Damaged Materials Policy.  If the school has more than five charged items, then the account will be blocked until it is in good standing.

The school shall be financially responsible for all costs for lost or damaged library materials. The library will notify the schools’ designated contact person of any lost or damaged items

Computer/Internet Policy

Lansing Public Library provides filtered internet access to any Lansing Public Library Cardholder and registered reciprocal borrowers in good standing. Good standing means a card is not expired and the patron does not owe any RAILS library $5 or more.

Required ID
Non-card holders with the proper ID may obtain a guest reservation. Non-card holders must present a photo ID to prove they are over age 18. Non-card holders under 18 without a parent may not use a computer.

Only the person registered may use a computer. The workstations are limited to one user at a time, except for special circumstances with staff approval. An individual may use a library owned computer for up to three (3) hours per day based on availability.

General Use
The Library may not be held responsible for any outcomes resulting from using the Internet or using information found on the Internet. The Library may not be held responsible for the content of any site accessed on the Internet. The Internet is public. There is no guarantee of privacy or security in any activity involving its use. Files saved on the hard drive will be deleted.

Prohibited Activity
Introduction of computer viruses to the system or the Internet are liable to legal action, including all costs incurred by the Library as a result of that activity. Spamming, harassment of any type, or any other illegal activity, such as copyright infringement, are strictly prohibited. No one may interfere in any way with another person's use of the computer. Library staff may supervise and may interrupt computer use if the policy is being violated or abused. Computer use cannot disrupt other patrons or staff. Failure to abide by the Library's Rules and Policies may result in suspension of computer privileges, and may result in legal action.

Special Note To Parents And Caregivers
Parents/caregivers are to supervise young children at all times, including while using computers. Parents/caregivers may be required to end their computer session to deal with children in their charge. Parents/caregivers accompanying children are responsible for assisting in use of recreational websites and explaining internet game rules.

Guest Passes and Fees Associated with Use of Lansing Public Library Computer

Lansing Public Library cardholders and guests may use library computers for no charge. Only the cardholder may use his or her card for this or any other library purpose. Monetary value may be added to your card and may be used to pay for printing.

Please note if a Lansing Library Cardholder owes any RAILS library $5.00 or more they will be prohibited from using the computers until that amount is brought under $5.00.

All patrons are responsible for any printing fees.

***Please note that a session is a minimum of 60 minutes and that an individual may extend time as long as there is not someone with a reservation waiting to use that computer for a total maximum 180 minutes (3 hours) per day.

***Computers are logged off 15 minutes before closing time. This may make for a shortened session should you choose a session at the end of the business day.

Faxing & printing incurs additional fees.

Adult (18 or over) Lansing Public Library card holders may check out library-owned laptops.

Library users with a laptop or other wireless device can access the Internet via the Lansing Library's filtered wireless connection.

Library users may provide their own devices with wireless capabilities.

Users are responsible for setting up their own equipment. Library staff members are not permitted to provide direct assistance configuring patron owned devices.

Printing is accessible via the wireless network.

The library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your wireless device can be captured by anyone with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

Users are responsible for virus protection, personal firewall, and other measures to protect the information on their device. The library is not responsible for any loss of information or damage to your device that might result from using the wireless network.