Get a library card

Do you live in Des Plaines?

If you're a resident of incorporated Des Plaines, you can get a free library card. To get your library card, we need to see:

• A photo ID
• Proof of your residency (like your driver's license, state ID or a utility bill)

Kids in 8th grade or younger must bring a parent or guardian who can show a photo ID and proof of their residency.

Be sure to check your eligibility for a card if you're not sure.

Lost library cards

Did you lose your library card? Come to the first floor with an ID and we will issue you a new one.

Don't live in Des Plaines?

Already have a card from another library?

If you live in an area that has a library, you can use your home library card to check out anything we have in our collection. Bring your card and your photo ID with you and we will register you in our system. If you have any questions about using your card here, please contact me or call the library at 847-376-2788.

Unincorporated des plaines

If you live in unincorporated Des Plaines, you may be eligible for a card from the Niles-Maine District Library. This district library serves Niles, most of unincorporated Des Plaines, and unincorporated Glenview.

If you live in a part of unincorporated Des Plaines and are NOT eligible for a Niles-Maine District Library card, you may be eligible to purchase a library card from Elk Grove Village Public Library.  Contact them at (847) 439-0447 for card information and costs.

Rosemont

Since Rosemont doesn't have a library, Rosemont residents may purchase their cards at the Des Plaines Public Library. Rosemont residents pay 25% or $81.75 for a non-resident card for the entire family for one year. (The Village of Rosemont pays the rest of the fee directly to the Des Plaines Public Library. The full cost of a non-resident card is $327 from July 2024-June 2025.)

Other types of library cards

For local businesses

If you own a business in incorporated Des Plaines, we can give you a company library card. We have many materials, programs and ideas to support your business, and most of our online resources can be accessed with your card from work or from home. Just complete an application letter and return it to the library. Apply for a business card.

For schools

Local schools can use our resources too. Work with our school liaisons to get set up with one.

Using Your New Library Card

You can use your card to check out so many different kinds of items. You can also use your card to:

• Use your online account to renew your items, place holds and keep track of what you check out (your password is the last 4 digits of your phone number until you change it.)
• Check out something from our Library of Things collection to take home.
• Sign up for a public computer
• Access our online resources from home
• Download eBooks & More to your devices.

There's so much to do with your DPPL library card!