SPRINGFIELD – Supporting education, literacy, and stronger communities, State Senator Laura Ellman is advancing legislation to make public library access more affordable for families living outside a library’s district.

“Public libraries are cornerstones of our communities—they provide educational support, promote reading, and offer spaces for people to connect,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure gives more families the opportunity to access these vital resources by allowing libraries to offer non-resident card fees in smaller, more manageable payments.”

Currently, library boards are not required to offer different payment options for out-of-district residents to pay for a library card. To address the present need for expanded public library access to non-residents and encourage inter-library cooperation, Ellman’s bill would give library boards, townships and municipalities the choice of allowing nonresidents to pay similar fees as residents on a quarterly or biannual basis.

“Libraries provide more than just access to educational tools. They also give people free access to computers, the internet, printing and community spaces that may not be available elsewhere,” said Ellman. “This bill, which was inspired by conversations with the Helen Plum Library in my district, allows libraries to offer access to nonresidents and helps ensure more people can benefit from these essential services.”

House Bill 42 passed the Senate on Wednesday.