Get a Library Card

When a business owner rents property within the Library District, a library account may be issued in their name. State law requires a lease be presented with applicant’s name listed on the lease. If the lease is in the name of the business, documents must include proof of business address and applicant’s name. This card must be renewed annually by the renter.

Residents of Lazarus House’s transitional living program have limited access to library services.

• A letter must be provided by the Lazarus House Executive Director verifying the individual in the transitional program.
• The card gives the individual access to all electronic resources and most physical materials.
• Video games and equipment are unavailable for checkout with this card.
• The individual must abide by all other library card policies and procedures.
• This card is valid for up to six months.

Non-residents who do not have their principal residence within the public library service area may purchase a fee card based on their location determined by closest library and the school district in which they pay taxes. Applicants who live outside the taxed Library District and within School District 303 (Campton Township residents) may purchase this card. Applicants that live in unserved Wayne may purchase fee cards based on St. Charles being the closest library. The fee method is approved by the Library Board of Trustees annually.

• Applicants provide a current tax bill and one other form of identification showing name and address.
• These cards must be purchased annually.
• Payment of this fee provides each member of the household with a library card.
• The fee is determined by multiplying the net valuation on residential property appearing on the applicant’s tax bill by the Library’s current tax rate. Payment of this fee provides each member of the household a library card for a period of one year. This fee is non-refundable.
• To determine the fee, multiply the net valuation by
  • .00310765 (Kane County)
  • .003104 (DuPage County)
• You may pay the non-resident fee by cash, check, or with your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card.
• The card is valid for one year from the date of the application.

If you do not pay taxes to any library and you rent residential property in School District 303, you may obtain a library card for a flat fee. The non-resident renter fee is determined by the Library Board of Trustees.

• Two forms of ID are required; one must be a current rent receipt, canceled rent check, or copy of lease.
• The renter fee paid is for one person unlike the household non-resident card.
• These cards must be purchased annually.
• The fee for 2024-2025 is $161.87. 

Individuals who do not reside in the Library District, but own property and pay taxes to the Library are entitled to a library card.

• Applicant must show proof they are paying the taxes on the parcel; anyone listed on the tax bill may have a card issued to them.
• Trusts, corporations, or any tax bill with no personal names listed must prove eligibility.
• Patron should present a copy of the most recent tax bill and one other form of identification.

A non-resident patron who does not pay property taxes due to their status as a disabled veteran is eligible for a library card free of charge. A non-resident is an individual whose principal residence is not within a public library service area.

Homeowners:

• Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence, in compliance with the Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption. (35 ILCS 200/15-169 (b-3)(3)
• Unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for this exemption prior to the veteran’s death. (35 ILCS 200/15 (c) (c-1))
• An unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who previously qualified for the exemption, as well as an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in action are also entitled to a non-resident card without payment of a fee. The qualifying veteran or surviving spouse must present documentation from the county where they reside that indicates their residence is exempt from paying property taxes. (35 ILCS 200/15 (c) (c-1)) 17

Renters:

• The non-resident fee shall not apply to veterans with a service-related disability of at least 70% who do not own their principal residence and who reside outside of a public library service area.
• The veteran shall present documentation of disability of at least 70% from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs when applying for their non-resident card.
• The surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran who previously had the fee waived would not be eligible to have the non-resident fee waived after the death of the veteran. (23 Ill. Adm. Code 3050.60 (d)(5)).

This card offers library services to students attending schools in School District 303 but who do not reside in the Library District.

• This card is intended for D303 student use only.
• There is a limit of 25 items per card.
• This card renews annually based on enrollment at a D303 school and having the parent/guardian acceptance of responsibilities (via D303 online registration opt-in).
• This card is governed by the acceptance of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the St. Charles Public Library and D303.
• Frequently asked questions

To assist educators in School District 303, and all other educational institutions within the Library District boundaries, with access to the public library. Educator cards are to be used solely for curriculum and instructional support.

• Educators will receive an individual library card.
• Educators sign up every year, with library card only being good for the school year and having a one-school year expiration date.
• Educators must present a school issued photo ID or paystub with photo ID to be eligible for a card.
• Card follows all other policies and procedures as a regular library card.