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.

It's easy to get a card

You can apply online or on the first floor of the library. If you apply online, we will mail you your new card in five days.

Apply now

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, and are in the attendance area of the Des Plaines schools, you may purchase a DPPL non-resident library card annually. The current one-year fee for a non-resident library card is $226.00.  For more information or to purchase your non-resident card, please visit our Circulation Desk on the first floor of the library.

Rosemont

Since Rosemont doesn't have a library, Rosemont residents who live north of Devon Avenue must purchase their cards at the Des Plaines Public Library. Rosemont residents pay 25% or $56.50 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 them at 847-678-0433.

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 as many items as you want*. You can also use your card to:

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

*There is a limit of ten video games.