Borrowing Materials
Explore endless possibilities at Graves-Hume Public Library with access to a vast network of Illinois libraries. Enjoy no overdue fines on books and easy renewals for all your favorite items. Get your free resident card or an affordable non-resident option and jump in right away!
When using the online catalog, you can search just Graves-Hume Public Library or the Illinois Valley Area Libraries or All Libraries that are in our consortium. If you still are not finding what you want, we can search any public library in Illinois. Please call or visit the Library for this option.
- Residents
- If you live or own property in the Graves-Hume Public Library District (the city limits of Mendota), you are entitled to a library card.
- To obtain your library card, please come to the Library and bring a photo ID and a piece of mail, both stating your current address. If your ID does not have your current address, please bring two forms of identification that include your name and current address along with a photo ID.
- Children under 18 must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
- Once you have a registered Graves-Hume Public Library card, you are free to use the card at any public library in the state.
- Non-Residents
- If you live outside of the District, you may purchase a fee card. It is a $82 fee per household per year. (updated 07/11/2024)
- If you have a valid library card from any library in Illinois, you may use it to check out items. To confirm the card’s validity, please bring your card and a photo ID to the Library.
- There is no limit on item checkouts
- Loan Periods
- Books: 2 weeks
- Magazines: 2 weeks
- DVDs: 1 week
- Puzzles: 2 weeks
- Audiobooks: 2 weeks
- CDs: 2 weeks
- To renew call the Library or use your My GHPL Account
- Overdue items
- As of July 1, 2022, Graves-Hume Public Library District is fine free. Daily late fines do not accrue.
- You will receive an overdue notice 14 days after your item due date. After an item is 21 days overdue, your card will be blocked from checking out. Once the item is returned in good condition, the block will be lifted automatically.
- WiFi Hotspots still have daily overdue fines.
- Overdue Interlibrary Loan Materials: $1.00 per item / day
- Fee for Lost or Damaged Items
- $5.00 processing fee will be added to all lost or damaged materials.
- Replacement fee for lost and damaged materials is the purchase price.
- A/V Cases: $1.50 each
- Out-of-Print materials
- Hardback Books: $25.00
- Paperback Books: $10.00
- Periodicals: $5.00
- CDs: $15.00
- DVD: $20.00
- Individual CD (book on CD): $12.00