Get a Card

Quincy, Illinois: If you live or own property in Quincy, Illinois, congratulations – you can snag a Quincy Public Library card for free! 

Township Perks: Residents or property owners in Melrose, Riverside, or Ellington townships, and those living in Quincy Public School District #172, also qualify for a complimentary card.

Gilmer Township Special: Residents or property owners in Gilmer Township within Liberty School District #2, rejoice – a free QPL Library Card is waiting for you!

Explore Beyond Quincy: If you live in an unserved area in Illinois, and we are the closest library to your residence, you can still unlock the wonders of the library with a nonresident card for just $90 per year. This card covers everyone in your household. For details, call 217-223-1309 ext. 501.

Contact Us: If you're unsure about your residency, reach out to our friendly Circulation Department. We're here to help determine if you qualify for a card within our service area.

Photo ID Required: Remember, a photo ID is needed to register at our library location. The responsible party must provide identification for minors under 18, and they should have an account in good standing.

Quincy Public Library Student cards are available to children in Quincy Public Schools who do not have a responsible adult linked to their account and only require access to virtual resources on the Quincy Public Library website.

These cards provide access to virtual library materials and are issued for one year at a time.

Please note that these cards do not permit the checkout of physical library items, access to inter-library loan services, or the ability to borrow from other libraries within the state.

Quincy Public Library Explorer cards are available to children aged five (5) to seventeen (17) who live or attend school within the Quincy Public Library system and do not have a responsible adult linked to their account.

To obtain an Explorer card, children must provide their full name, home address, and date of birth.

Explorer cards are limited access cards that allow children to check out up to three (3) print items owned by Quincy Public Library at a time. These cards also grant access to virtual resources on the Quincy Public Library website.

Children aged five (5) to nine (9) are restricted to borrowing materials from the children's collection.

Explorer cards are valid for one year. If a parent or guardian is not present when the card is issued, a postcard will be mailed to the family with information about the card and to verify the child's home address.

QU and JWCC students can receive temporary public library borrowing privileges if they reside in the district while attending college. To apply, bring your student ID, and an ID with your permanent home address, and either a class schedule or tuition bill.

Individuals who reside outside our service area, but own property or a business within it, are eligible for a library card. Proof of property ownership required. Please contact the library for details.

Individuals living in Quincy, IL shelters or temporary housing may qualify for a temporary library card. The card allows the patron to check out one book or magazine at a time. This card expires in 30 days, and may be renewed. To apply or renew, bring in a letter from your shelter or agency.

If your library card is lost or stolen, immediately contact our Circulation Department to prevent unauthorized use of your card. We will block the card for your protection. 

If you need to replace a card before the expiration date, the replacement charge is $2.

Please contact the library if your name, address, phone, or email changes.

Please contact Circulation at 217-223-1309 or email us to cancel your card.

You are responsible for all materials checked out on your library card and for charges accrued for lost or damaged items, processing, and/or collection fees, if applicable.  

• Unpaid charges on previous account(s). 
• Unreturned materials from previous account(s). 
• Incomplete identification or proof of residency.