About Us

For announcements and current happenings, see Library News.

Our Services for You

Your Library Card

Library cards are provided free of charge to all residents of the Village of Mount Morris as part of your tax-supported library services. Your card gives you borrowing privileges here and at most public libraries in Illinois, access to special online resources, and more. Click here to learn how to get a library card.

Interlibrary Loan

If you need a book, DVD, or other item that we don't have, ask us to borrow it from another library for you. 

Reference Desk

Reference questions may be asked in person at the library or by phone during regular library hours.  We also accepted reference questions via email, fax or regular mail.  To submit a question through this web site, go to the "Contact Us" page.

Programs and Events

We have a regular schedule of educational and cultural events for all ages. See our calendar for details.

Homebound Delivery

If you live in the Village of Mt. Morris and are unable to come to the library due to illness or limited mobility, please call and we will make arrangements to bring materials to your home.

Computers

We have nine Internet-connected computer stations for public use. Two of the stations are designated for use by children under the age of 12. Anyone with a valid Mt. Morris Public Library card, and in good standing (no overdues or fines of $1.00 or more), may use a computer at no charge. Others are asked to pay $1.00 per day, or use the "E-mail Express" station with a time limit of 15 minutes. (There is no charge for children under age 16.) Personal laptaps may also be used in the library either through our wireless connection or a cable connection to our network. Everyone who uses a computer in the library must follow our policy regarding computer and Internet use.

Photocopier/Fax/Laminator/Magnifier

Except for the magnifier, the following services are available at the library for a fee. Click here for a list of fees.

Personal photocopies may be made at the library. The library staff will assist you.

Personal faxes may be sent or received at the library. The library fax number is 815-734-6035. 

Laminating is available for items from business card size to 11x15".

A CCTV magnifier is available at no charge for viewing magazines, newspapers, and personal documents and letters.

Local History

The library has a variety of local history materials, including Mount Morris Past and Present by Harry Kable, information on Mount Morris College, Ogle County histories, obituary and cemetery indices, local war records, Kable Brothers history, high school and college yearbooks, historical Ogle County atlases, some family histories, Illinois and Rock River histories, and all of the newspapers ever published locally. Most of these materials are for in-library use only.

Community/Meeting Room

The library community meeting room will accommodate up to 24 people. There is no charge for nonprofit groups. The room must be booked at least one day prior to the meeting. Any group wishing to use the Community Room must agree to follow library policies.

Other Services

Here are some of the other services provided by the library:

Library Policies

Below are some of the policies about the public's use of the library.

Behavior in the Library

THE LIBRARY AND YOUR CHILD

 
Mt. Morris Public Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. We must remind you, however, that library staff cannot accept responsibility for the safety, care or supervision of children.
 
Children under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible child age 12 or older. The child’s parent or legal guardian will be contacted if the child is left unattended. 
 
The library reserves the right to notify proper authorities, including the Mt. Morris Police Department, of unacceptable behavior concerning minors (under 18 years) if parents cannot be reached. Authorities may also be contacted if there is significant concern regarding a child’s welfare and the parents cannot be contacted. (For example, a young child has been left at the library at closing time.)

Circulation Policy

Loan periods for library materials are as follows:

  • Books: 2 weeks
  • Magazines: 1 week
  • Audiobooks: 2 weeks
  • CDs: 2 weeks
  • Videos/DVDs: 1 week
  • Toys: 2 weeks
 
Restrictions are as follows:
 
  • A maximum of 50 items per patron may be checked out at any given time.
  • There is a limit of two videos and/or two DVDs per patron at any given time.
  • Only one audiobook with 10 or more cassettes or CDs may be taken out at any given time.
  • A patron from another library may check out only 10 items at any given time.
  • A patron with overdue materials may not check out anything.
  • A patron with fines of $1.00 or more may not check out anything.
 
Click here for information on fines for overdue, lost, and damaged materials.

Community Room Use

 Use of Stengel Community Room

 
The Stengel Room at the Mt. Morris Public Library is to function as a benefit to the community. Since this means the Stengel Room will be open to all types of groups, the Library does not necessarily endorse the philosophies or practices of all those using the meeting room. The facilities will be made available on an equitable basis to all groups in the community subject to compliance with the following regulations, the approval of the Library Board, and according to the guidelines outlined in Article VI of the Library Bill of Rights.
 
Library related activities, Library Foundation related activities, and Village Board related activities all have priority in the use of the room. No fee will be charged to any of these groups.
 
Other groups may use the room according to the following regulations.
 
Reservations
 
1.       For each quarter (Jan., Apr., July, Oct.) reservations will be made in the order they are received. Beginning with the first Monday of each quarter the Library will make Stengel Room reservations for the rest of that quarter.
 

2.       Reservations must be made by completing the application form (attached) and submitting the necessary fee along with a $25 deposit. This should be done by the person from the group who will be responsible for seeing that the group involved follows these rules and regulations. An adult must make the reservation for meetings of groups whose members are high school age or younger and the adult must be present at the meeting. The deposit will be refunded providing the room was left in good condition. All or a portion of the deposit will be kept if clean-up is required by library staff.

 
3.       If the library accepts the reservation application and fee for the requested date, the group concerned can consider that the reservation is confirmed. The key to the Stengel Room can be picked up 24 hours before the date of the reservation and must be returned in the mailbox immediately after the meeting. (See the section below concerning Key.)
 
Fees
 
1.       All community groups, clubs, organizations, and businesses within the Mt. Morris area may reserve the use of the Stengel Room free of charge. All reservations must be made quarterly on a first come, first served basis. If, during any given year, a community group uses the Stengel Room four or more times, a donation to the Library from the group to help defray custodial and maintenance costs will be appreciated.
 
Groups have the option of paying a small additional fee for coffee bar supplies. (See section below concerning Coffee Bar.)
 
2.       Private groups in the community may reserve the use of the room at a rate of $10.00 per hour. Private groups may also have the option of paying an additional fee for coffee bar supplies.
 
3.   Not-for-profit groups will be allowed to hold fund raising activities in the Stengel Room
if profits are to be used for library related projects. Private groups or individuals may not use the Stengel Room for profit-making projects.
 
Key
 
1.       A key to the north (Front St.) door that allows access to the Stengel Room and the adjacent restroom should be picked up during library hours not more than 24 hours before the scheduled meeting date.
 
2.       The key must be returned in the mailbox at the conclusion of the meeting. The deposit will not be refunded if the key is not returned promptly.
 
 
Coffee Bar
 
1.       Refreshments in the Stengel Room should be limited to coffee, tea, cold drinks, and finger food. Special permission from the Library Director must be secured if more elaborate refreshments are to be served.
 
2.       The coffee bar is equipped with a coffee maker, an electric tea kettle, three beverage servers, two pitchers, and two trays.
 
3.       Groups will have the option of paying an additional $5.00 for a refreshment package for 12 people that will include pre-measured coffee, assorted tea bags, creamer and sugar packets, paper liners for coffee cup holders, small paper plates, and napkins.
 
Clean-Up
 
1.       The group using the room is responsible for clean-up (except vacuuming). The room must be left in the same condition in which it was found. (See Clean-Up check list.) Clubs or other organizations may not store their equipment at the Library.
 
2.       Users must pay the cost for repair of damages to the room or any equipment therein.
 
3.       The Library will not be responsible for materials or equipment left in the building by the users. No equipment or products belonging to specific groups may be stored at the Library.
 
4.       Once a meeting is over, the users are responsible for turning off the coffee maker, turning off all lights, and locking all doors.
 
A-V Equipment
 
Groups using the Stengel Room may use the following A-V equipment:
Projector, Overhead Projector, Projection Screen, Presentation Cabinet, 36” TV/Monitor, VCR Player, DVD Player.
 
 
The Mt. Morris Public Library is a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free environment.
 
Meetings in the Stengel Room must in no way disturb the peace or take away from the normal functioning of the Library.
 
24 is the maximum number of people that can be accommodated in the Stengel room.
 
All activities must conclude and the room must be vacated by 11:00 p.m.

Computer/Internet Use

 Access the following to read our Computer Rules and Internet Use Policy.  At the library you will be asked to sign an Internet Agreement confirming that you have read the rules and policy and will abide by them.

Computer Rules

Computer rules
 
1.      All computer users must present either a Mt. Morris library card or a Mt. Morris computer user card before using a workstation. Anyone age 16 or older who does not have a Mt. Morris library card must pay $12 per year for use of library computers, or pay $1 for one-time use. This rule does NOT apply to the Email Station. This station may be used for a maximum of 15 minutes at no charge, and a driver’s license may be presented in lieu of a library card.
 
2.      Computer time can be reserved and will be scheduled in periods of one hour, but for no more than two consecutive time periods in one day for non-Internet use. (See Internet Use Policy for Internet workstation usage.) Patrons who reserve the computer must arrive no later than 10 minutes past their scheduled time or the reservation will be canceled. Use of the computer can extend beyond the reserved time if no one else is waiting to use the equipment.
 
3.      Computer users who do not have a valid Mt. Morris library card or computer user card must “sign-in” and provide current address, phone number and valid I.D. if requested. 
 
4.      Anyone accessing the Internet, either through the library computers or their own laptop/notebook via the library’s wireless connection, must have signed an Internet Use Agreement.
 
5.      Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a competent computer user age 12 or older.
 
6.      No more than two people may be at any one workstation at the same time.
 
7.      Personal files may not be stored on the hard drive. Patrons may bring their own diskettes, CDs or flashdrives for downloading; or diskettes can be purchased at the circulation desk at a cost of $1.00 each. (The Library will not be responsible for damage to a patron’s disk, CD, flashdrive or computer, or for any loss of data, damage, or liability that may occur from patron use of the library’s computer.)
 
8.      There will be a charge of 10 cents per page for every page printed. (This includes pages that may have been printed unintentionally. If needed, please ask for assistance when printing.)
 
9.      Food and drink are not allowed in the computer area.
 
10. Patrons misusing the equipment may lose their computer privileges temporarily or permanently.
 
11. The library staff has the right to cancel or interrupt use of the computer at any time.
 
12. Anyone with overdue materials or fines of $1.00 or more may not use the computers.
 
13. Library staff has the right to restrict usage of the computers for those who do not abide by the regulations of the library in general or specific regulations governing the use of the computers.
 
14. Laptop users may sit at any available table or chair. A cable connection is available at several locations. A staff member will provide a password for wifi users.

Internet Use Policy

 

INTERNET USE POLICY

 

Electronic Networks and the Library’s Mission:
Libraries make it possible for citizens to have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.  As a member of the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET), the Mt. Morris Public Library is committed to networking, which represents good public policy by maximizing the use of the resources of all types of libraries.  Every library user benefirts from expanded access to information beyond the four walls of a single library building.
 The Mt. Morris Public Library and all ILLINET libraries use electronic information networks such as the Internet for a variety of purposes:
 
1.      Access to shared automation systems that provide bibliographic access to the collections of the local library and libraries in the region and across the state.
2.      Access to the wealth of information resources available via the Internet.
3.      Access to general and specialized shared licensed databases available to ILLINET member libraries through regional and statewide cooperative programs.
 
Relationship to other Library Policies: 
The Mt. Morris Public Library's Internet Use Policy is part of the library's overall policy structure and should be interpreted in conjunction with other existing policies.  The general Computer Rules apply to use of the Internet workstations. 
 
Use of Equipment and Networks: 
All users of electronic information resources such as the Internet are expected to use these resources in a responsible and ethical manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which they are provided.  By using the public Internet workstations, accessing the wireless connection, or accessing the Internet in any other manner at the Mt. Morris Public Library you agree to the following guidelines: 
  • Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only; not for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
  • Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system.
  • Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
  • Using resources in a manner that conforms to federal and/or state law.
 
The following activities are unacceptable:
 
  • Destruction of, damage to, or unauthorized alteration of the library’s computer equipment, software, or network security procedures.
  • Use of personal software.
  • Storage of data to anything other than a personal diskette, CD or flashdrive.
  • Use of the library’s institutional electronic mail (e-mail) account.
  • Downloading e-mail attachments without first consulting a library staff person regarding current virus alerts.
  • Use of chat rooms.
  • Sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics that may be reasonably construed as obscene.
  • Accessing any service that incurs a cost.
  • Use of electronic information network for any purpose that results in the harassment of other users.
  • Use of electronic information network in any way that violates licensing and payment agreements between the Mt. Morris Public Library and network/database providers.
  • Use of any workstation other than a children’s workstation by persons under the age of 12 unless a parent or guardian has authorized the use of such workstation by signing that portion of the required permission slip (see below).

Procedures for use of Internet workstations:

See "Computer Rules." 

All Internet users must have an Internet Use Agreement signed and on file. (Exception:  See “Email Station”.) Users under the age of 18 must have a signed parental or guardian permission slip on file. The permission slip must be signed in the library in the presence of library personnel.
 
Users under the age of 12 will only be allowed to use children’s workstations unless a parent or guardian has signed the portion of the permission slip that specifically allows for the use of all workstations. 
 
You may use Internet resources for no longer than one hour per session, one session per day, for a maximum of three sessions per week, unless a workstation is available and not reserved. Reservations may be made by phone or in person. Patrons who reserve the computer must arrive no later than 10 minutes past their scheduled time or the reservation will be canceled and the time made available to another patron.
 
If the computer is not scheduled, it may be used on a first come, first served basis.
 
Email Station: This stand-up workstation is available for a maximum of 15 minutes to anyone wishing to check email, obtain a map, etc. A signed Internet Agreement is not required, but a driver’s license or other form of identification must be left at the desk.
Start-up and shut-down procedures for the workstations will be done by library staff only.
 
Only persons who have a signed Internet Agreement on file may be at the Internet workstations, whether using the Internet or observing. All persons must have a signed Internet Agreement on file when accessing the Internet in any manner on the library premises.
 
The Library does not offer electronic mail (e-mail) accounts, but patrons may download their e-mail through utilities such as Hot Mail, Yahoo, etc.
 
The Library staff may provide assistance to patrons (as time permits) in the use of the Internet in the following manner:
  • Demonstrate basic search techniques
  • Assist with informational searches
  • Provide instruction in setting up simple email accounts with Hotmail or Yahoo 

 The Library staff will NOT provide instruction in the use or implementation of specific computer programs or websites.

 
If there appears to be a problem with the workstation equipment or Internet connection, patrons should immediately consult the staff.
 
Misuse or abuse of the computer or Internet access will result in disciplinary actions, which may include loss of Internet privileges and loss of Library privileges. Library staff will determine the appropriate consequences. 

Filtering:

All of the library's public access workstations are filtered for sexually explicit content.  The children's workstations are more stringently filtered than the adult workstations, and the filter attempts to exclude violence, chat rooms, promotion of illegal drugs and criminal behavior, etc.  Filters, however, are imperfect and are no guarantee that sites of this nature will be entirely inaccessible.

 
If an adult (age 18 or older) wishes to access a site that has been blocked, a library staff person will enable the site upon request.  This, however, does not imply permission for anyone to violate any portion of the Internet policy.  If the staff person believes the requested site will do so, s/he may refuse to enable the site.
 
Warnings:
 Internet users must be aware of the following points: 
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be reliable.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be accurate.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be from a reliable source.
  • Information obtained via the Internet may or may not be current or up-to-date.
  • Links to information on the Internet may not always be valid.
  • Particular information sites on the Internet may be unpredictably unavailable.
  • Certain information obtained via the Internet may be considered controversial by some library patrons. 

 The Library is not responsible for damages, indrect or direct, arising from a library patron's us of Internet information resources.

Children’s Access to Electronic Information Networks:

The Mt. Morris Public Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Even with the use of filtering, the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for children. It is not possible for library staff to control specific information children and youth may locate on the Internet. Even with filtered computers, it is possible that objectionable material may be accessed. It is the responsibility of the parent, guardian or caregiver to determine what is appropriate, and to monitor and supervise their children’s use of the Internet. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children issues of appropriate use and electronic information network safety.

 

Donations and Gifts

 

Gifts to the Library

 
 
General. The Mt. Morris Public Library gratefully considers the inclusion of gift items in the library collection. However, gift materials are subject to the same selection criteria as purchased items. Before accepting gift materials, the library will request an inspection of the proffered gift items to determine their suitability. Once it becomes the property of the library, gift materials are handled in the same manner as purchased material and remain in the collection at the discretion of the librarian.
 
Gift Book Program. The Library welcomes monetary contributions specifically for book purchases in memorial to or honor of named individuals. In order that the Library can properly honor the generosity, a special form to record the information is used and should be completed. The Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation will match most funds (up to $100) given for the purchase of books or other library materials.
 
Donation of Art Objects and Other Types of Materials. Although such gifts are usually welcomed and valued, final decision on their acceptance rests with the Library Director and the Board of Trustees.
 
Donations - Others, e.g. Monetary. The Library welcomes cash contributions, gifts of real property, stocks and bonds. It is our custom to expend cash gifts on materials, equipment, or a project which is acceptable to the donor. Although it is unlikely, there may be an occasion in which the restrictions set by the donor make it impossible for the Library to accept the contribution. All donations are subject to the approval of the Library Director with the backing of the Library Board of Trustees.
 
Recognition of Gifts. For memorial books to the library, the Library may place within the book the name of the donor and the name of the person honored, if desired.
 
Income Tax Statements. The Library cannot appraise the value of a donation of materials or art. It will, however, upon request issue the donor a letter acknowledging the donation. It is the donor’s decision whether he or she will determine the value of the donation or utilize an independent appraiser (at the donor’s expense). While the gifts to the Library as a governmental unit qualify as tax deductible, the donor will have to consider the particular circumstances of his or her situation for the specific effect.
 
Restriction. No donation can be accepted unless it is given to the Library without restrictions unless the Board of Trustees has specifically adopted an agreement to do so. All gifts may be used, sold or disposed of in the best interest of the Library. All donations are accepted only if in the opinion of the Library Director and the Board of Trustees they are in the best interests of the Library.

Unattended Children

 

UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN POLICY
 
 
Policy concerning unsupervised children left in the library:
 
1)      Preschoolers (under the age of six) may not be left unattended in the library unless they are participating in a library-sponsored program.
 
2)      Unattended school-age children are free to utilize the library’s resources as long as needed, provided their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members.
 
3)      At times, however, unattended children may create a problem when they have no apparent purposeful intent to use library resources. In such situations, children become bored and then place unfair demands on library staff to provide supervision and entertainment. Generally, these children are not at the library on their own accord; rather, they must wait at the library until a parent comes for them. This situation occurs when parents attempt to use the library as a child care center.
 
4)      The Library Board asserts that it is the parents’ responsibility to provide child care; the library must not be used for this purpose. If, on repeated occasions, library staff notices unattended children with no observable intent to use library resources, the children will be identified and the Director will send a letter explaining the Library Board’s position on this matter to the parents. If the problem persists, further action may be taken at the discretion of the Director and the Library Board.

Book Discussion Groups

The library hosts monthly afternoon and evening book discussion groups for adults. Both are open to new members, men and women. Works of fiction and non-fiction are discussed.

Afternoon Book Club

This group meets from September through May on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm.  Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat by Vicki Myron is the selection for the Jan. 21 meeting. New members are always welcome. Contact the library for more information.

Evening Book Club

This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm.  The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan is the selection for the March 3 meeting.

Starting a Book Club

This link will take you to web sites with information on how to start a book club.

Links for Book Lovers

Check out these sites to connect with other book lovers.

BookCrossing.com: "Where 786,068 people in over 130 countries come to share their passion for books with the world."

Shelfari.com: "The premier social network for people who love books. Create a virtual shelf to show off your books, see what your friends are reading and discover new books."

GoodReads.com: "Get great book recommendations from people you know. Keep track of what you've read and what you'd like to read. Form a book club, answer book trivia, collect your favorite quotes."

LibraryThing.com: "Join the world’s largest book club. Catalog your books. Find people with eerily similar tastes. Find new books to read. Free Early Reviewer books from publishers and authors."

BookSprouts.com: "Making book clubs and reading groups easy, online."

 

Fines and Fees

Fines for overdue, damaged and lost materials.

Fees for various services provided by the library.

Fees

Photocopy Fees:

  • 20¢ per page for one-sided copies
    • 15¢ per page for more than 10 copies of the same item
  • 30¢ per page for double-sided copies
    • 25¢ per page for more than 10 copies of the same item
  • 10¢ one-sided/15¢ two-sided per page if you supply the paper
  • 5¢ per page for copies from non-circulating library material (20 copy limit per day)
  • $1.50 per page for color copies
  • $1.00 additional charge per page for photo paper

 

Fax Fees:

  • $2.00 for the first page, 50¢ for each additional page to send a fax within the United States
  • $10.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page to send a fax outside the United States
  • 50¢ to receive a fax of 1-5 pages (an additional 50¢ will be charged for each increment of 1-5 pages)

 

Laminating Fees:

  • 75¢ for business card size
  • $1.00 for letter size
  • $1.50 for legal size
  • $2.00 for poster size

 

Print Fees:

  • 10¢ per page for computer print-outs (black and white)
  • $1.00 per page for color printouts (on plain paper)

 

Microfilm Copies

  • 20¢ per page

 

Scan/Email Documents

  • $2.00 per document

 

Replacement Card Fee:

If a library card must be replaced before it has expired, a fee of $1.00 will be charged.

 

Fines

Fines for overdue items:

  • 10¢ per day for books, audiobooks, CDs, magazines, toys
  • 50¢ per day for videos and DVDs
 
There is a three-day grace period for all items except videos, DVDs, magazines, and interlibrary loan materials. 
 
Overdue fines per item cannot exceed $3.00 for trade paperbacks or magazines, $5.00 for all other materials. (This does not apply to materials borrowed through interlibrary loan.)
 

Fees for lost items:

The cost to replace the item will be charged. If the item is no longer available, the charge will be based on the cost of a comparable item.
 

Fees for damaged items:

If an item is damaged but still usable, a fee will be charged based on the extent of the damage. The librarian (or staff) will determine if the item is usable and the damage fee.

Library Youth Group

A Library Youth Group for teens from grades 6 and up meets the first and third Fridays of the month from 6:30-8:00pm at the library. This is a chance for teens to hang out with other kids with similar interests, participate in activities, and do a little service work for the library. If you wish to join, contact the library for more information. Everyone is welcome!

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the Mount Morris Public Library is to make a positive contribution toward meeting the personal, educational, recreational, and cultural needs and interests of community residents. Service shall be provided on a fair and equitable basis to all individuals and groups

History of the Library

A Brief History of the Library 

   At the turn of the century a small reading room was established by the Philomatheon, a women’s current events club. It was variously housed in the home of Mrs. W. Miller, the Town Hall, and the balcony of the Murdoch store.
   The reading room officially became a tax supported public library in 1931 and was moved to the Old Sandstone building until the present library was built in 1949.
   When the library began to bulge at the seams, a committee headed by H. C. Mitchell successfully raised funds to build an addition dedicated to the Kable Brothers. It was completed in 1964.
   A second addition to the building was completed in 2002, doubling the size of the facility. Construction was funded mainly by a gift from Harold Walkup and local contributions raised by the Mt. Morris Community Library Foundation. The library also received a grant from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.
   The library serves the Village of Mt. Morris with a collection of about 30,000 items. It is appreciated for its comfortable, friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are currently needed to assist with the annual book sale (August 8).  Help is needed on Friday, August 7, to set up the tables and sort the books.  If you are willing to help, please call the library at 734-4927.

Illinois State Library Services

The Illinois State Library provides you with services directly, through us, and in cooperation with other agencies.