Nonresident Fee Exemptions

Nonresident Fee Exemptions

Fee Exemptions for Nonresident Cards for Those Who Own, Lease, or Administer Taxable Property Within the City Limits:

  1. The non-resident fee shall not apply to a non-resident who, as an individual or as a partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner, owns or leases property that is taxed for library service or is a senior administrative officer of a firm, business, or other corporation owning taxable property within the district, upon presentation of the most recent tax bill on that taxable property. [75 ILCS 5/4-7(12) and 75 ILCS 16/30-55.60(3)]

Fee exemptions for Nonresident Cards for Qualified Veterans:

  1. The nonresident fee shall not apply to veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 70% and who are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence in compliance with the Disabled Veterans’ Standard Homestead Exemption [35 ILCS 200/15-169].
  2. The nonresident fee shall not apply to the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who has previously qualified for this exemption prior to his/her death.
  3. The nonresident fee shall not apply to an unmarried surviving spouse of a service member killed in the line of duty.

In each instance, proof of eligibility must be presented. This may include a property tax bill showing exemption from property taxes, or official documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating the individual’s Veteran status, and the Veteran’s percentage of service-connected disabilities. Free nonresident cards may be extended to the disabled Veteran’s (or surviving spouse’s) entire household.

Fee exemptions through school agreements:

  1. Intergovernmental agreements with area schools may include a waiver of nonresident fees for all students regardless of household income.

Fee exemptions for Nonresident Cards for Income Eligible Children (who don’t attend District 7 schools):

  1. The Cards for Kids program [enacted in PA 101-632] allows the library to provide no-fee cards for nonresident K-12 students whose household falls at or below the United States Department of Agriculture’s Income Eligibility Guidelines. Proof of eligibility must be presented. This may include proof of SNAP or TANF benefits, or a letter from the child’s school stating that this specific child is eligible for the “free lunch” program based on financial qualifications. Free nonresident cards issued through the Cards for Kids program are to be used only for the student’s library materials. Free cards and borrowing privileges are not extended to the entire household.

Adopted September 27, 2023