Obtaining a Library Card & Late Fees

WHO CAN GET A CARD?

The library is tax-supported by the residents who live in the library district. Check your St. Clair County Real Estate Tax bill. If Smithton Public Library District is listed as a ‘Taxing Body’ under ‘Distribution’, then you are eligible for a library card.

If you do not live in the library district, but own property in the district (personal or for a business), please call the library to inquire about obtaining a library card.  As always, if you are unsure about if you can get a library card, please call the library and ask.  We’re more than happy to help! Our phone number is 618-233-8057.

Obtaining A Library Card

Present proof of identity, residency, and/or ownership by:

1. Presenting a photo ID

AND

2. Real estate tax bill, lease agreement, or utility bill showing a legal residency within the Library District.

Minors age 5-15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to obtain a borrower’s card.

Non-Residents Non-residents of SPLD, who are not resident of any other Library taxing district or body, may obtain a card, valid for one year, by paying the non-resident card fee and presenting photo identification.  Effective July 1, 2022, the non-resident fee is $124.

Effective July 1, 2023, the non-resident fee is $130.

A $2 fee will be charged to replace a lost card.

Loan Period and Fines Schedule (Circulation Policy)

Books, general material: 3 week loan period, 15 cents per day late fee
Movies, Video Games and Fishing Poles: 1 week loan period, $1.00 per day late fee
TV Series: 2 week loan period, $1.00 per day late fee
Music recordings: 1 week loan period, 50 cents per day late fee
Internet Hotspots*: 2 week loan period, $5.00 per day late fee
Equipment: 2 week loan period, $5.00 per day late fee

Items must be returned to the library by closing time on the due date for late fees not to be incurred. Fines will total no more than the replacement cost of an item.

Lost or damaged items will result in a charge for the replacement value of the item.

A balance of $5.00 or more on a patron account will result in the suspension of library privileges until the fine is paid below $5.00.

*A household (residents living at the same physical address) may check out 1 Internet Hotspot at any one time.