Rock Island Public Library and Augustana College Thomas Tredway Library marked National Library Card Sign-up Month in September by renewing a reciprocal borrowing agreement opening their library collections to each other's cardholders.
Registered Augustana College students may borrow materials from Rock Island Public Libraries and current Rock Island Library patrons may borrow materials from the college's general circulation collection. The reciprocal agreement formalizes and draws attention to a history of sharing, noted librarians.
"Augustana remains a committed partner to Rock Island. We are so glad that our libraries can work together to serve both the citizens of Rock Island and Augie students," said Carla Tracy, Thomas Tredway Library director. Augustana joined an Illinois academic library consortium in 2003, but continued to offer services to local library users.
Fostering collaboration among all residents is another benefit."Offering college students access to a public library while they are staying in Rock Island allows them to supplement academic reading with a diversion, such as bestseller or DVD, encourages familiarity with library programs, and connects them with our community. A library card is just the beginning of what a public library can offer for students of all ages," said Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director.
To apply for reciprocal borrowing privileges, Augustana College students will present a current college identification card at Rock Island Libraries, and Rock Island patrons will present a current Rock Island Public Library card at the Thomas Tredway Library. Upon presentation of proper identification, either library will extend borrowing privileges.
Some limitations do apply, such as access to electronic resources that have contractual stipulations. Interlibrary Loans, where libraries borrow books from each other, are also not included under the Rock Island and Augustana Library agreement.
The Augustana College Thomas Tredway Library is located at 3435 9 1/2 Ave, Rock Island. Rock Island Public Library locations are the Downtown, 401 19th Street; 30/31, 3059 30th Street, and Southwest Libraries, 9010 Ridgewood Road. For hours, call 309-732-READ or visit the library website.
Library Card Sign-up Month brings attention to the supportive role libraries and librarians play in transforming lives and communities through education. Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September since 1987. During the month, libraries join together in a national effort to ensure everyone signs up for their own library card.