How old is the Library?
The library was first established by a referendum vote of the town residents  and was opened to the public on December 10, 1921, with Lois Highsmith as librarian.

Who qualifies for a library card?
Anyone who is a resident of Lawrence County or owns property in Lawrence County. Non-residents will be required to pay a fee of $35.00 per year.

What do I need to have to obtain a library card?

You must have a picture ID, as well as another piece of identification (mail, etc.) proving your Lawrence County residency. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must sign the minor's card and accept responsibility for any fines accrued.

I would like to use the internet. What do I need to do?

We currently have seven free public access computers (four desktop, and three laptop), all with internet access, and Microsoft Office. In order to use our computers, we require a library card, free of fines for those who reside in Lawrence County. People from out of town may also use our computers for free, after presenting a valid ID at the desk. In order to use our laptops, we require a library card or valid government-issued ID to be left at the desk. We require all adult users to read and sign our computer agreement. No child, under the age of 18, may use our computers without parental consent. We require a parent or legal guardian to come to the library, in person, and sign a consent form. Both the child and the parent must read and sign a computer agreement. No child under the age of 12 may use the computers without a parent or responsible adult present. Teenagers may access the computers unsupervised.

I need more than 5 books. Why can't I use my spouse/parent/etc's card?

You are the only one who is allowed to check out items on your card. You may, however, give written permission for someone else to use it.

My child wants to check out a movie. What do I need to do?

Library policy allows movies to be checked out on adult cards only. You may, however, give the library written permission for your child to check out movies on your card. Not every item in the library is intended for children, and it is up to you to determine if your child is mature enough to choose their own materials.

How many items may I check out at one time, and for how long?
Five books for two weeks, two movies (video or DVD) for three days, three audios (cassette or CD) for two weeks; three magazines for two weeks (back issues), and three newspapers for three days (back issues).

May items I have checked out be renewed?
Yes. Books, audios, and magazines may be renewed for an additional two weeks. They may be renewed twice. Movies may only be renewed for one additional day and newspapers can be renewed for an additional three days. You may renew your items in person, or over the phone. However, if someone else has placed a hold on the item you wish to renew, your request will be denied, and the item must be returned by the due date.

You don't have the book I want. How can I obtain it?
Items may be borrowed through an interlibrary loan program with the Illinois Heartland Library System. These items may be borrowed for shorter or longer periods than the normal two weeks, depending on the lending library. Any materials that cannot be obtained through our own system can generally be found elsewhere in the state. If it is unavailable in Illinois, you may be given the option of paying postage to obtain it from an out-of-state library.

What are the charges on overdue materials?
Books, periodicals, and audios are $0.10 per day, per item. Movies and interlibrary loan materials are $1.00 per day, per item.