Get a Library Card
Get a Library Card
A Mattoon Public Library card gives you access to books, movies, digital downloads, research tools, events, and more. Choose the option below that best fits your situation.
Mattoon Residents
As a City Library, all residents living within the Mattoon city limits are eligible for a free library card. Individuals that don’t reside in town, but own property within city limits, are also eligible for a free library card.
What to Bring
Please bring both of the following when registering in person:
- A State or Federally Issued Photo ID
Acceptable examples include:- Valid driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- FOID card
- Proof of Mattoon Residency
Examples include:- Valid ID with current address
- Lease agreement
- Property tax bill referencing the Library
- Water bill
- Canceled mail
If you bring a utility bill (ex: electric bill), please bring both the window envelope with the postal cancel and the inside statement with your Mattoon address. Note: Library staff are required to verify whether your address is inside or outside our service area.
SHARE Library Fines
If you have outstanding fines or blocks at any SHARE member library, they must be cleared before a Mattoon Public Library card can be issued. To resolve fines, please contact the library where the charges originated.
Prefer to Register Online?
Click the button below to self-register for a Library Card.
Register Online for a Library Card
Non-Residents
If you live outside the Mattoon city limits, Illinois state law requires a non-resident library card fee.
Current Non-Resident Fee
$80.00 per year, per family (Determined using the state-approved formula based on the average cost paid by Mattoon residents.)
Reader’s Bridge Assistance Program
If the non-resident fee is a financial hardship, the Library offers Reader’s Bridge, which covers 90% of the cost. Eligible applicants pay $8.00.
Eligibility
You qualify if one or more of the following apply:
- You earn minimum wage and work less than full time
- Your children receive free or reduced-price school lunch
- You have a LINK card
- You have a state medical card
- You live in subsidized housing
- You receive TANF benefits
The Library Director may approve Reader’s Bridge for other circumstances as needed.
Note: Reader’s Bridge is offered only when funding is available.
Apply for Reader’s Bridge
Click the button below to download. Submit the completed form to the Library.
Reciprocal Borrowing
We welcome patrons with cards from Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) SHARE Libraries.
Accepted
- Public library cards from any SHARE member library
Not Accepted
- School or academic library cards
- Library cards from outside SHARE without address verification
- Residents staying outside the city limits
Visitors from Outside SHARE
If you have a valid card from another Illinois public library outside SHARE (ex: Urbana Free Library, Chicago Public Library), you may be added to our system if:
- You are temporarily staying within Mattoon city limits
- You present your library card and photo ID
- Your home library account is in good standing
IHLS Rule: Reciprocal borrowers cannot use digital download services such as eBooks or eAudiobooks.
Temporary Residents at the Haven Shelter
We welcome Haven residents and encourage participation in our programs and services.
Requirements for Haven Residents
- A signed letter from the current Haven director serves as proof of residency
- Photocopies are not accepted
- No cards will be issued to residents under age 13
- All standard requirements listed above also apply
