Library Services & Information

How to Get a Library Card

Applicants must show 2 forms of proof of their name and current address in order to receive a card. Juveniles (ages 3 - 13) must have a parent or guardian sign the application card for them.

Cards are free for those residing in Coloma Township or who own and pay taxes on property within Coloma Township. Patrons outside of Coloma Township pay
$ 52.00 per year per family. This fee is set each year by the State Library.

We honor library cards from other public libraries within Illinois. You will be asked to fill out an information card the first time you present your card.

Also note:

When the library is closed, items may be returned in the dropbox in the outer wall next to the doors. Otherwise, please return the items at the circulation desk.

Replacement cost for lost library cards: 1st time - $ 1.00; 2nd time - $ 2.00; 3rd time - $ 3.00. After 3 card losses, the patron will lose check-out privileges until the current card expires.

You may ask Rock Falls Library for Interlibrary loan service. This means that you may give us titles and authors to look for from other participating libraries and request that the items be sent to Rock Falls Library for you to check out.

Your library card may be used at other Illinois public libraries, such as Sterling and Dixon.

You must have your library card with you in order to check out items to take home.

When a patron has accumulated $1.00 in fines or has items overdue, all library privileges will be suspended for him/herself and all members of the household. (This includes use of any library computers.)

* 14-day-only items and items on hold may not be renewed.

• A borrower is responsible for all items checked out on his/her card.
• Lost items are to be paid for at replacement cost plus a processing fee.
• Materials more than 3 months overdue shall be considered to be lost and the patron will be charged the full cost of the material plus a processing fee.
• Damage to an item is to be paid for in proportion to the extent of the damage plus a processing fee, as determined by the director.
• When a patron has accumulated $ 1.00 in fines or has any items overdue, all library privileges (including computer use) will be suspended for his/herself and all members of the household.

Taking proctored tests at the library

The Rock Falls Library director, Amy Lego, may act as proctor for you if you need to takes tests at the library. The student is responsible for the $10.00 fee for each test and must schedule an appointment with Amy at least one week in advance. No walk-ins, please.

Rock Falls Library eBranch

Check out books the electronic way, PC or PDA.

What's an eBook?

eBooks are electronic versions of print books that can be downloaded from the internet and read from a computer screen or handheld device such as a Palm or Pocket PC.

Borrowing books has never been more convenient!

Any card-holding patron of the library may borrow eBooks either from home or from a terminal at the library:

An entire library of books is at your fingertips anytime, anywhere.

Books can be downloaded and ready to be read within minutes.

Unlike print books, eBook devices have a back light and the ability to adjust the font size to make reading easier on your eyes.

Books are automatically returned on time - no late fees to worry about.

Electronic books don't take up any space and dozens can be carried with you at one time - depending on the memory capacity of your device.

What do I need?

You'll only need the following:

A Valid library card

A computer or handheld device

An internet connection

If your device had an Infrared (IR) port, you may use one of the library's internet computers to borrow eBooks.

Mobipocket Reader installed on your computer or device. (This free software allows you to read the eBook you borrow.)

Please note: An internet connection is no longer necessary once the eBook has been downloaded.

Getting Started

Click on the library's eBranch link: RFPL eBranch

Follow the online directions listed under "eBook Library Basics."

You can read eBooks for the loan period of 7-14 days, after which time it will expire and become unreadable. You may borrow it again if no other patron has borrowed it.

There is a limit of 3 eBooks borrowed by any patron at a time.

Please feel free to call or visit the library if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Funding for this eBranch grant was provided by the Illinois Satte Library, a division of the office of the Secretary of State using federal LSTA funding.

Ways to Support the Library

To purchase a brick, please come in to fill out the order form.
Please return the form and a check or money order payable to the Rock Falls Public Library in the amount of $75.00 per brick.

You may designate 3 lines of copy. Each line allows for a total of 15 letters or spaces. All letters are printed in UPPER CASE with the exception of the c in Mc etc.

Brick orders will be placed in April & September. When they arrive, the bricks will set in available areas at random.

Other Ways to Help:

Drop off aluminum cans in the bin at the corner of 1st Avenue and Dixon Avenue (across from Hardee's)

Donate books and magazines

Be a volunteer helper or guest reader during a youth or family program

Very important: Visit the library often and bring a friend!

Home Page ~ Adults ~ Children ~ Library Services ~ Resources