"Unlibraried" Illinois Residents Face a Patchwork of Fees

And a New Milford resident is not happy about it.

From a letter to the editor, Rockford Register-Star, 10/4/2011.

I was raised in Arizona using the public library system. I left the Rockford Public Library today without a library card, but I felt relieved when I thought I was eligible for the Cherry Valley Library.

But I left with no library card in hand and tears in my eyes because an out-of-district resident must pay $140 a year to use the library here.

The Rockford area as an example

Rockford Public Library 

$115 annual fee

Talcott Free Public Library (Rockton)

Based on the taxable value of propery of primary residence

North Suburban Library District 

(Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe + other areas)

$120 annual fee

Cherry Valley Public Library District 

$140 annual fee

Ida Public Library, Belvidere 

Depends on assessed value or rent.