Located on the first floor by the parking lot entrance, the circulation department handles issuing new and renewing library cards, checkouts and returns, pick up for materials requested from other libraries, and Music CDs and DVDs.

Library Cards

All residents of and/or property owners in the library district are eligible for free library cards. We require two forms of identification, one of which must be a picture ID, verifying your address within the library district. The library district consists of all townships in Jefferson County except for Grand Prairie (which is in the Centralia Regional Library District).

Identification examples include:

  • Drivers License
  • Voter Registration Card
  • FOID Card
  • Property Tax Bill
  • Mail postmarked within 30 days (must includes name and address)

No cards will be issued 30 minutes before closing. Cards must be renewed every three years. There is a $5.00 charge to replace lost cards.

People who reside outside the library district may purchase a family card for an annual fee.

Children, ages 5 – 12, may receive a Junior card with parent/guardian approval. The card will be valid in the Junior/Children’s Department.

Children, ages 13-17, may receive a Young Adult card with parent/guardian approval. This card will be valid for checking out all library materials, except for restricted DVDs. A parent/guardian may sign for Internet usage.

People who are 16 years old and have a valid Driver’s License may apply for a card without having a Parent/Guardian with them to obtain a card. They will still need a parent/guardian to sign for Internet usage.

Loaning Materials

Loan Periods

Some materials circulate for two weeks, including DVDs.

Renewals

Some materials may be renewed one time if they are not on reserve. DVDs, VHS tapes, eBook readers & Genealogy materials cannot be renewed. Renewals may be done by phone, in person or online (PIN may be obtained at the Circulation Desk).

Interlibrary Loans

Materials may be borrowed from other libraries. A library card in good standing is required. A fee may be charged for some materials.

Care of Materials

Once materials are checked out on your library card, they become your responsibility to return on time and in good condition. For your own protection, do not lend your card and do report a lost card immediately.

Account Charges and Fees

Fines

As of June 14, 2023, the C. E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District no longer charges fines to our patrons.

No Service

People are placed on “no service” if:

  • Material is overdue for one month (changed to Lost status)
  • Fines accumulate to more than $10, or
  • Information provided for application of a library card proves to be incorrect.

All charges must be cleared before a library card can be reinstated.

Replacement Fees

We charge the replacement cost for each individual item that has been lost. This cost may be waived if the lost item is returned.