Library Cards FAQs

  • General Questions

    Yes.  If you live...

    Please visit any CPL location to update your name or address. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your updated information, such as your driver’s license or state ID.

    If you don’t have a driver’s license or state ID with your updated information, please bring two pieces of current ID. One of these must include your name and Chicago address. Accepted forms of ID are:

    • Personal check
    • Current telephone, gas, electric or cable bill
    • Mail postmarked within 30 days
    • Voter registration card
    • Student ID
    • Passport

    If you lose your library card or key chain, please call any CPL location as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.

    Replacement cards are $1. Please visit any CPL location to fill out a new library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address.

    If you’re a recipriocal ardholder, you’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we’ll replace your Chicago Public Library card.

    If your library card is damaged or broken, please bring it to any CPL location and we’ll replace it free of charge.

    library card’s renewal date at any CPL location. If we have your email address, you’ll receive an email letting you know when your renewal date is approaching.

    Please visit any CPL location to renew your library card. You’ll need to show current, valid ID with your name and address.

    If you’re a cardholder, you’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we’ll renew your Chicago Public Library card. The expiration date of your CPL card will be the same as the expiration date of your card at your home library.

    If you are an Illinois resident who lives in a community with a reciprocal library, you are eligible for a Chicago Public Library card.

    Please visit any CPL location to fill out an application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name and address, as well as your current library card from your home library. After verification from your home library, we will issue a Chicago Public Library card.

    Children 13 and younger are eligible for a juvenile card. A parent or guarantor needs to sign the child’s library card application and show one piece of ID with home address.

     

    You need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address, such as your driver’s license or state ID.

    If you don’t have a driver’s license or state ID with your current Chicago address, please bring two pieces of current ID. One of these must include your name and Chicago address, and one must include your name and photo. Accepted forms of ID include:

    • Personal check
    • Current telephone, gas, electric or cable bill
    • Mail postmarked within 30 days
    • Voter registration card

    Post office box numbers are not accepted. If you don’t have a fixed address, you may use a letter certifying your Chicago residency from the social service agency where you receive mail.

    This is a test FAQ.

    Please contact a library staff member directly for further assistance.

  • Get a Library Card

    To get a library card or to register a library card from another Minnesota public library system, you must have a photo ID, proof of date of birth, and proof of your current address. Visit any Saint Paul Public Library location to complete registration.