How to Get a Chicago Library Card

This is an instructional guide that details how to obtain a Chicago Public Library card.

• State Issued ID
• OR, a personal check, voter registration card, mail postmarked within 30 days or a current service provider billing statement.

• In order to receive an adult's library card, you must be fourteen years of age or older.
• You must be a resident of Chicago.
• To obtain a library card that allows you to borrow physical books you must get a physical library card. Which can only be obtained in person, at a Chicago Library. An e-card may be obtained on the Chicago Public Library website, however, this card limits you to only being able to borrow e-books.
• Your Chicago Library card allows you to borrow books at some Illinois reciprocal libraries.

In order to obtain a Chicago Public Library(CPL) card, a form of ID must be provided. An example of this would be a state-issued Illinois ID that lists your name, address, and contains a photo. You must be a resident of Chicago, and your address on your ID must reflect this. If you do not have such an ID, then two other forms of verification must be provided. These can include a personal check, a voter registration card, mail postmarked within 30 days, or a current service provider billing statement.

In order to find your nearest CPL, simply go to CPL's website. This is a link to their website. Near the top right of the website, you will find a piece of text that states "Hours and Locations". Simply click on that text and enter your address in the prompt that appears. Your nearest library will appear as the top result along with their hours.

There are a number of ways to get to your nearest CPL. Once you have found the address of your CPL from the CPL website, linked above, copy the address and then paste the address into Google Maps. I have linked the website here If your CPL is within walking distance, you may be able to walk to your library. If not, and you own a car, you may drive to your library. Otherwise, you can take Chicago's public transportation. Google Maps will provide you with instructions on how to navigate the CTA. Make sure to bring your forms of identification with you.

Once you have entered your CPL, locate the help desk. There should be a map near the entrance, or signs, that provide you with instructions on how to locate the help desk. If you are unable to direct yourself to the help desk with the provided instructions, ask a nearby security guard or librarian for directions.

Once you have located the help desk, the librarian on duty will ask you to provide your forms of identification. You will then be asked to fill out a form. You will have to sign the form, which will include verifying your name, and address, and agreeing to abide by the responsibilities of owning a CPL card.

Now that you have received your library card, you will be handed a paper outlining the responsibilities that come with owning a library card. Additionally, there are benefits that come with having a library card. I have listed some of the responsibilities and perks to owning a library card below.

• Your card must be updated every three years, verification must be provided each time.
• You may check out up to 50 titles on your account.
• You may sign up for electronic receipts.
• You may check out a book for up to 3 weeks. Once you have held a book past its borrowing time, you will incur fees on your account.
• Longer checkout periods are available for some titles, but you must consult a librarian.
• You may check your borrowing history on the CPL website, once you have logged into your account.