Library Services for Adults

e-Card Application

Apply by emailing us at info@putnamcountylibrary.org. You will need your name, street address, phone or email, photo ID, & proof of residence.

Or download the Prairiecat Mobile App either at Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Where you can access all of our online databases, scan items without going to the front desk, search items, see what you’ve checked out and what you have on hold, and much more on one app.

In House Services

We offer computer, wi-fi, copying, fax, as well as small and large laminating.

Online Services

The Putnam County Libraries have a variety of online services for our patrons to browse for physical and digital items.

  • Encore provides patrons to order items from our library branches or from other libraries we are connected to through PrairieCat.
  • EreadIllinois allows patrons to check out Ebooks to read through your ereaders such as kindle, android devices, and nook. We use Baker & Taylor’s Axis 360 for EreadIllinois. Check out their YouTube page here to see how to use EreadIllinois services.
  • Overdrive allows you to read ebooks and audiobooks for free with your library card using Apple products, Google play devices, and Microsoft products. They also have a second application that does the same as overdrive with a new look named Libby. Check out their YouTube page here to see how to use Overdrive.
  • Hoopla Digital allows you to check out audiobooks, ebooks, movies, music, comics, and television shows without being on a hold list. There is a 10 item checkout limit each month that resets at the first of the month. Check out their YouTube page here to see how to use Hoopla Digital.
  • Wowbrary allows you to see what is the newest items in your library added every week through your email. Enter your zip code, your library, and your email and you’ll be receiving emails weekly every Saturday morning. Check out their YouTube page here to see how to use Wowbrary.
  • BookPage is a monthly book review publication distributed to 400,000 avid readers through subscribing bookstores and public libraries. Founded in 1988 and located in Nashville, Tennessee, BookPage serves as a broad-based selection guide to the best new books published every month. All of the content from the print edition is posted on BookPage.com each month. We have magazines available at each branch free to all patrons. Discover author reviews, interviews, and much more on their YouTube page here.
  • Kanopy stream films anytime, anywhere on your preferred devices free for you brought to you by your library. Over 30,000 films entirely free for you. Check out their YouTube page here to see how to use Kanopy.
  • Transparent Language Online offers the most comprehensive language-learning solution for libraries. With this flexible program, you can quickly and easily learn new languages using our wide variety of courses and activities.
  • Explore More Illinois. Gain access to museums across the state.  Youtube video
  • PrairieCat App. The Prairiecat Mobile App is free for all patrons to their mobile devices. You can access through Google Play or Apple’s app stores. You are able to access your libraries databases and self-checkout.
  • Inkie.org is a suite of resources – available to everyone in Illinois at no charge – that supports local authors with online creation and publishing tools and allows readers to access locally-produced content.
  • Biblioboard Create.  Share. Discover. local content using our community engagement tools in your library.
  • Universal Class: You will have access to 500+ online continuing education courses. Go to this link https://putnamil.universalclass.com/register.htm. Register with your library card number, your name, and your email address. If you signed up in the past Universal Class may still have your old login information. Learn something New Today!
  • MasterClass: Putnam County Public Library District will offer no-cost Annual Memberships to the entire MasterClass platform for one year (a $180 value). Use your mobile, desktop, or smart TV to access online classes taught by the best in arts & entertainment, writing, business, food, home & lifestyle, music, sports & gaming, and more. Start learning here. Please call the Hennepin Library Branch (815)925-7020 to sign up. Please have your email ready, so we can send you your access link.

Library of Congress Apps

Check out apps for your devices from the Library of Congress. All information can be found on their website: https://loc.gov/apps/

LOC Collections: Explore the Library of Congress digital collections. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. Use LOC Collections to access iconic photos, historic maps, books, films, newspapers, manuscripts & sound recordings. Get on your iPhone or iPad

The Congressional Record: Read the daily edition of the Congressional Record on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. The Congressional Record App is presented by the Library of Congress using data provided by the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, and the Government Printing Office. Get for your iPhone or iPad

Aesop for Children: The Aesop for Children interactive book is designed to be enjoyed by readers of any age. The book contains over 140 classic fables, accompanied by beautiful illustrations and interactive animations. Get the app for iPhone or iPad, Android, or download on Google Play.

National Book Festival: Get the most out of the Library of Congress National Book Festival with this full-featured Festival App. Navigate author talks and presentations, and share the excitement of the day via your own personal social media. Get on your iPhone or iPad, Android, or use the web version of the app.

BARD Mobile: The BARD Mobile app is a service of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, that provides access to braille and talking books directly from the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD). BARD contains tens of thousands of books, magazines, and music scores in audio and braille formats, with new selections added daily. Get on your iPhone or iPad, Android device, or download from Amazon.

IVCC Dual Credit

Dual Credit Resources for High School Students
This guide is geared towards dual credit students and provides an overview of the resources and services that are available to them through IVCC. We’ve included tips for visiting campus, directions for logging into online resources, and suggested resources to help students search by subject or career. They can also find style guides and citation tools for MLA, APA, and Chicago Style.
On the Go Research Guide
Similar to the guide above, our On the Go Research Guide includes many of the same resources. However, it covers more topics and is geared towards traditional IVCC students. If a patron is taking IVCC classes and needs an overview of what’s available to them off campus, this is the guide for them.

Internet Services

Book Recommendations

Goodreads

FantasticFiction

WhatshouldIreadnext

 

Putnam County Villages

Florid (Facebook Page)

Granville

Hennepin (County Seat)

Lake Thunderbird

Magnolia

Mark

McNabb

Magnolia (Facebook Page)

Mount Palatine (Facebook Page)

Putnam (Facebook Page)

Standard (Facebook Page)

 

Schools

Putnam County School District #535

Henry Senachine Community Unit District #5

St. Bede Academy

Illinois Valley Community College

 

Putnam County Government Resources

Putnam County Government

Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall County Health Department

Census

 

Local Historical Groups

Putnam County Historical Society

Magnolia Township Preservation Association

 

Parks

Putnam County Conservation District

The Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

Hennepin Park District

Starved Rock

Matthiessen State Park

 

Personal Help Links

Freedom House

Youth Services Bureau of Illinois Valley

Putnam County Community Center

BPART

CPASA

Illinois Court Help

 

Clubs

Daughters of the American Revolution

Rotary