Non-Resident Card

But libraries are free, right? Well yes, and no.

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Believe it or not, libraries are expensive to run and can only do as much as they are budgeted for. These annual budgets come from the Village of Millstadt and are based solely off of property taxes of those who live within the Village limits.

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Do I live in the Village?

Individuals in the Village of Millstadt pay for the library varying on the amount of property tax they must pay. You can check whether or not you live within these limits by visiting this website: https://stclairil.devnetwedge.com/

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Why is there a cost?

It is up to each library to decide whether or not they will offer Non-Resident cards. When a library board does decide to opt-in to the program, they must adhere to their State's legislature. According to the State of Illinois' Public Library Non-Resident Service Administrative Rules, we must charge at least equal to the cost paid by residents. These costs must be updated yearly to keep up with yearly property tax increases.

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How does the library figure out these costs?

There are a variety of ways in which a library can set their fee, as of June 2022, the Millstadt Library District follows what is called the Tax Bill Method. This method allows the library to charge the same tax fee that those inside the Village pay to those outside, creating a more equitable pricing method. 

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To figure out the cost for your Non-Resident card, simply call or stop by the library - OR -  visit https://stclairil.devnetwedge.com/ or see your tax bill and locate where it says your "net taxable value" and multiply that amount by .0015 or 15% which is the Millstadt Library District's tax rate.

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To learn more about why the Library chose this method and more about it, please read the following letter.

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To see more about the types of fees that can be set, visit this link to see the Administrative Code's rulings: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/023/023030500000600R.html

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Do I have to buy my card from Millstadt even if another local library is cheaper?

According to Section 3050 of the Illinois Administrative Code, you must purchase your Non-Resident card at the library nearest your address. Here is a map to see the libraries available in your area.

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Why should I buy a card?

We're glad you asked. Your library card is worth so much more than a book or even one library. Your card gives you access to 500+ local libraries, their facilities, and their items. You can order these items through our portal online or by asking a librarian and they will be sent to Millstadt from a variety of places. Or, go in-person! Check out that DVD in Columbia and return it to Glen Carbon. Pick up some books at Glen Carbon and return them back to Millstadt. It's a never-ending circle.

Again, books are great, but they are just a part of the resources available. Check out CDs, DVDs, kits, video games, LPs, VHS or even fishing poles. And let's face it, one book can usually cost $20+. If you buy more than 5 books a year, your card is already paid for.

 

For more information on the State of Illinois' Public Library Non-Resident Service Administrative Rules, visit here: https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/libraries/nonresident.html

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For any other questions, stop by the library or give us a call at 476-1887.

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And remember, ALL of our programs and regular services are available without a library card.