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Library Cards & Policies

Library Cards

Residents

Residents of incorporated Des Plaines may be issued a free library card. This card is good for a period of 3 years.

To receive a card, you must present photo identification and proof of legal residence in the City of Des Plaines. A driver's license, utility bill or voter's registration card are examples. Registration can be done at the main library or through our online card application.

Patrons through 8th grade must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian who must show proof of residence and identity and sign the application form.

Apply for a library card online!

Fill out our online library card application. Come to the library 3 days later and a shiny new card will be waiting for you!

Get started

Non-residents

Individuals and families living in an area that is not taxed for public library service may purchase a library card and use it at any participating public library. The non-resident fee at the Des Plaines Public Library is $288.00 for one year. This card will be honored at all participating libraries for one year.

Non-residents must purchase their cards at the public library that is within their high school district.

Rosemont residents who live north of Devon Avenue must purchase their cards at the Des Plaines Public Library. Rosemont residents pay 25% or $72.00 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.)

Other Rosemont residents who live south of Devon Avenue should contact the Schiller Park Library for card information and costs. Please call 847-678-0433.

Note: Residents of most Illinois communities can use their local library cards at Des Plaines, with very few exceptions or restrictions. Call the library at 847-827-5551 to check your eligibility.

Company Library Card

A company library card is available to all businesses located within incorporated Des Plaines. It is good only at the Des Plaines Public Library for a period of one year.

  more information | Company Card form

If you have any questions about the privileges granted with a company library card, please call the registration desk at 847-376-2788.

Loan Policies

Following are loan periods and circulation information for materials from Des Plaines Public Library.

Need to renew your materials?

Renew them online or call our automated system at (847) 590-8706.

Item Loan Period Holds? Renewal Limit Fines/Day
Books 4 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
New Books 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Quick Pick Books 1 week No 0 $0.25
Quick Pick DVDs, Blu-Rays 1 week No 0 $0.50
DVDs, Blu-Rays 1 week Yes 2 $0.50
DVDs, Blu-Ray Sets (3 or More Discs) 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.50
CDs 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Audiobooks 4 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Playaways 4 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Videogames 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
CD-Roms, DVD-Roms, Blu-Ray Roms, Etc. 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.50
eReaders 4 weeks Yes 0 $1.00
Art 8 weeks No 2 $0.25
Magazines 2 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Assistive Technology, Equipment 8 weeks Yes 0 $0.25
Maps/Pamphlets 4 weeks Yes 2 $0.25
Reference 0 weeks No 0 $0.00
Newspapers 0 weeks No 0 $0.00

Fine Threshold

The "fine threshold" is $5.00. If you owe $5.00 or more in fines, you will not be able to check out more items or place holds.

Vacation Loans

With few exceptions, materials may be borrowed for a longer period if requested at the time of checkout. Patrons may request a vacation loan period for any item except new books, DVDs, or items on reserve for other patrons. The vacation loan period may be no longer than double the original loan period plus seven days.

Drop-Off Locations and Hours

Parking Garage:
Available at all times
West hallway:
6 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday - Friday
6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Inside library:
During library hours only