SPRINGFIELD – Lowering the cost of public library access for families residing outside of a library’s district expands access to education, fosters healthier communities and promotes literacy. Working toward this goal, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a law that ensures visitors have more affordable access to public library services. 

“Public libraries are essential components of any community, offering spaces for connection and educational support,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure enables libraries to offer non-resident card fees in manageable payments, thereby providing more families who visit out-of-district libraries access to these important resources.”

To address the present need for expanded public library access to non-residents and encourage inter-library cooperation, Ellman’s law gives library boards, townships and municipalities the choice of allowing non-residents to pay similar fees as residents on a quarterly or biannual basis.

“Educational resources are not the only services libraries offer – libraries provide families free access to computers, the internet, printing and communal areas that might not be immediately available to them elsewhere,” said Ellman. “After hearing from staff at the Helen Public Library in my district, we worked to pass a law that enables visitors to benefit from the same services residents receive at their local public libraries.” 

House Bill 42 was signed into law Friday and is effective immediately.