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Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: March 2026

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of the Mattoon Public Library’s facilities, services, programs, and website. By obtaining a library card, using Library facilities, accessing Library services, or visiting mattoonlibrary.org, you agree to be bound by these Terms. The Library reserves the right to update these Terms at any time; changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

These Terms are intended to ensure that all patrons can enjoy a safe, welcoming, and equitable Library experience. The Library’s full policy documents are available at the circulation desk and at mattoonlibrary.org/policies.

1. Library Card

Eligibility

A library card is available to all residents of Illinois. Non-residents may obtain a card subject to applicable fees as determined by Library policy. Minors under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign their library card application; by doing so, the parent or guardian accepts responsibility for all materials checked out on the minor’s account and any associated fines or fees.

Your Responsibilities

  • Provide accurate and current contact information at registration and update the Library promptly of any changes.
  • Keep your library card and PIN/password secure. You are responsible for all activity on your account.
  • Report a lost or stolen card to the Library immediately. You are responsible for charges incurred before reporting the loss.
  • Renew your card as required (typically every 2–3 years) to keep it active.

Card Suspension or Revocation

The Library may suspend or revoke borrowing privileges for accounts with outstanding fines or unreturned materials, or for violation of these Terms.

2. Borrowing Materials

Patrons may borrow Library materials subject to loan limits and lending periods as posted at the circulation desk and on the Library’s website. Current loan limits, item types, and renewal policies are available at mattoonlibrary.org/loan-terms-fees.

  • You are responsible for all materials checked out on your account until they are returned and checked in by Library staff.
  • Materials must be returned in the same condition in which they were borrowed. Normal wear is expected; damage beyond normal wear, or loss of materials, will result in replacement charges.
  • Holds may be placed on items currently checked out by another patron. Holds are held for a set number of days after notification; unclaimed holds will be released.
  • Certain items (e.g., reference materials, special collections) may be restricted to in-library use only.

3. Fines & Fees

Overdue fines and replacement fees are assessed in accordance with the Library’s current fee schedule, available at the circulation desk and online. The Library reserves the right to modify its fee schedule with appropriate notice.

  • Accounts with outstanding balances above a threshold set by Library policy may have borrowing privileges suspended until the balance is resolved.
  • The Library may refer delinquent accounts to a collection agency or report them to credit bureaus in accordance with applicable law.
  • Fees paid are generally non-refundable unless the Library determines that the charge was made in error.

You can check your account balance, renew items, and view due dates online at mtnp.illshareit.com or through the My Account portal.

4. Digital Services

The Library provides access to digital lending platforms (such as e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines), online databases, and electronic newspapers. Use of these services requires a valid library card and is subject to the terms of service of the respective third-party providers in addition to these Terms.

  • Digital lending limits, loan periods, and formats vary by platform.
  • Access to databases and digital resources is intended for personal, non-commercial use only.
  • You may not share your library card credentials to grant others unauthorized access to licensed digital resources.
  • The Library is not responsible for the content, availability, or changes to third-party digital services.

5. Computer & Wi-Fi Use

The Library provides public computers and Wi-Fi as a community service. Use of these resources is a privilege subject to the following conditions:

  • Computer sessions are time-limited and may be reserved or subject to first-come, first-served availability.
  • Users may not access, transmit, or display material that is illegal, obscene, or harassing, or that violates the rights of others.
  • You may not use Library computers to engage in illegal activity, including unauthorized access to computer systems, downloading of copyrighted material, or fraudulent activity.
  • Printing services may be available for a nominal fee per page.
  • The Library’s public Wi-Fi is open and unencrypted. Patrons are responsible for their own data security and are encouraged to use HTTPS connections and VPNs when transmitting sensitive information.
  • The Library is not responsible for data loss, security breaches, or damage to personal devices resulting from use of Library technology resources.

6. Facility Use & Conduct

All patrons and visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of others and conducive to a welcoming public environment. The Library reserves the right to ask any person to leave the premises who engages in disruptive, threatening, or prohibited behavior.

Prohibited Conduct

  • Harassment, threatening, or intimidating behavior toward staff or other patrons
  • Loud, disruptive, or disorderly behavior that interferes with others’ use of the Library
  • Vandalism or damage to Library property or materials
  • Theft of Library property or the property of other patrons
  • Consuming food or beverages in areas where it is not permitted
  • Using tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vaping products on Library premises
  • Bringing animals into the Library, except service animals as defined by the ADA
  • Soliciting, canvassing, or distributing materials without prior Library approval
  • Any conduct that violates local, state, or federal law

Enforcement

Library staff are authorized to enforce the Code of Conduct and may call law enforcement when necessary. Patrons who are asked to leave and refuse to do so may be trespassed from the premises.

7. Room Rental

The Library offers meeting room rentals to community organizations, businesses, and individuals, subject to availability and the Library’s Room Use Policy. Reservations can be made through the Library’s online booking system.

  • Room use is subject to a separate Room Rental Agreement which must be signed by the responsible party at time of booking.
  • Rooms may not be used for activities that are illegal, commercially exploitative of a captive audience, or in violation of Library policy.
  • The Library does not endorse the views of groups or individuals using its meeting rooms.
  • Users are responsible for leaving rooms in the condition in which they were found. Damage to the room or Library property may result in charges.
  • Cancellations must be made in advance per the Room Rental Policy; failure to cancel may result in forfeiture of any deposit and loss of future booking privileges.

8. Programs & Events

The Library offers free and low-cost programs for all ages, including Story Time, book clubs, yoga, chess club, and more. By registering for or attending a Library program or event, you agree to the following:

  • Programs are open to the public unless otherwise noted. Some programs may have age requirements or registration limits.
  • By attending a Library event, you consent to the possibility that photographs or video may be taken for Library promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify Library staff.
  • Participants are expected to follow the Library’s Code of Conduct during all programs and events.
  • The Library reserves the right to cancel or modify programs due to low enrollment, staffing changes, or circumstances beyond its control.

9. Children & Minors

The Library welcomes children of all ages and offers dedicated Children’s and Teen Services. The Library is committed to providing a safe environment for minors.

  • Supervision: Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver (age 14 or older) at all times while in the Library. The Library is not responsible for unsupervised children.
  • Parental Responsibility: Parents and guardians are responsible for their children’s behavior and safety while on Library premises.
  • Borrowing: A parent or guardian who co-signs a minor’s library card application is financially responsible for all materials borrowed and any fines incurred on that account.
  • Internet Access: Library computers used by minors are subject to filtering in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Parents are encouraged to discuss appropriate internet use with their children.

10. Website Use

The Library’s website at mattoonlibrary.org is provided for informational purposes and to facilitate access to Library services. By using the website, you agree to the following:

  • You will use the website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others.
  • You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website or its underlying systems.
  • The Library makes reasonable efforts to keep website content accurate and up to date, but does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of any information on the site.
  • The website may contain links to third-party websites. The Library is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
  • Content on this website (text, images, logos) is the property of the Mattoon Public Library or its licensors and may not be reproduced without permission.

11. Donations

The Library gratefully accepts monetary donations through its online donation portal (processed via PayPal) and in person. Donations support Library programs, collections, and services.

  • Monetary donations are generally non-refundable. Please contact the Library if you believe a donation was made in error.
  • The Library is a tax-exempt public library under applicable Illinois law. A receipt will be provided for your records upon request.
  • The Library also accepts donations of materials (books, DVDs, etc.) at the discretion of Library staff. Donated materials become the property of the Library and may be added to the collection, distributed to patrons, or sold through the Friends of the Library.
  • Donors who wish to restrict the use of a monetary gift should contact the Library administration prior to making their donation.

12. Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

The Library’s services, facilities, and website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. The Library makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the suitability, reliability, availability, or accuracy of any service, resource, or information provided.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Mattoon Public Library, its Board of Trustees, officers, employees, and volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of the Library’s services, facilities, website, or digital resources, including loss of data or personal property.

The Library is not responsible for personal injury or loss of personal property on Library premises except where caused by the Library’s own negligence. Patrons are encouraged to safeguard their belongings.

13. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, including but not limited to the Illinois Local Library Act (75 ILCS 5/) and the Illinois Library Records Confidentiality Act (75 ILCS 70/). Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Coles County, Illinois.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

14. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms and Conditions, or requests for additional information, should be directed to Library administration:

Mattoon Public Library
1600 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938
Phone: 217-234-2621
Email: info@mattoonlibrary.org
Website: mattoonlibrary.org
Hours: Monday–Thursday 9am–6pm | Friday 9am–5pm | Saturday 9am–1pm

These Terms & Conditions were last updated March 2026. The Library recommends consulting a licensed Illinois attorney regarding any legal questions.