We want everyone to get the most out of their public library, so we’re sharing five great reasons to get a library card—especially for kids and families.
1. Save more
Did you know you can check out up to 200 items at a time with your library card? That’s a lot of items and a lot of savings! Get all the books you can carry, and then some.
Physical checkouts
Besides books, what other items can you check out from the library?
- Pre-loaded audiobooks, like Playaways, Wonderbooks, and audiobook CDs.
- DVDs and Blu-rays are great alternatives to expensive streaming services. Watch some of your favorite movies and TV shows for free!
- Discovery Kits encourage kids to explore, create, problem-solve, and have fun. Take home microscopes, robots, puzzles, building sets, ukuleles, crochet needles, snap circuits, puppets, games, and so much more.
- American Girl Dolls come with their own journals, books, and accessories (and without an expensive price tag).
Digital books, music & movies
We’ve also got tons of digital resources to help you access entertainment and information for free with your library card. No expensive streaming services needed!
- Libby: Thousands of audiobooks.
- Hoopla: Even more books, plus music and movies too (and no wait).
- Kanopy Kids: Books, movies, and TV shows, available for unlimited viewing.
- TumbleBookLibrary: Animated, talking picture books for young readers in a format they’ll love.
2. Explore more
With your library card, you have access to tons of resources that allow you to explore the world around you.
Language & culture
Explore language and culture with online resources like Culture Grams and AtoZ World Culture. Or explore a new language with Little Pim.
Museums & attractions
- Request a Museum Adventure Pass to explore museums and attractions, such as the Peggy Notebaert Museum and the Brookfield Zoo.
- Get discounts and offers with an Explore More Illinois Pass.
- Reserve a Park District of Oak Park pass and spend time at the pool, ice rink, or clubhouse indoor playground.
3. Learn more
Your library card provides access to tons of resources to build your knowledge and expand your learning.
The Main Library Children’s Service Area has a large nonfiction and biography collection, including new books available on the New Books shelf right when you walk in our doors.
Not sure where to start? Our library staff is always available and eager to help you find just the right books for your independent study or school project.
- Find kids’ reading lists at the library or online.
- See what’s new for kids in the catalog.
- To hear what’s coming up next, subscribe to our Kids & Families email.
- Access subscription-based, kid-focused digital resources like National Geographic Kids, PebbleGo and PebbleGo Next, and World Book anywhere, anytime. They’re designed to make learning more interactive, more visual, and more fun. Find them in our online Homework Help section.
- Obtain a computer pass at the Children’s Services desk and access library research sites for all your school assignments, deep dives, and passion projects.
4. Create more
At the library, we are all about expressing creativity! You can:
- Create with CreativeBug, an inspirational resource providing access to tons of art and craft video classes taught by design experts and artists.
- Visit the Main Library Acorn Lab to create something new with recylables or build a unique model with Keva planks. This mini makerspace for ages 4+ is stocked with craft supplies and building materials, and it’s open on weekday afternoons (3-6 pm Monday-Thursday, and 3-5 pm on Fridays).
- Visit the Creative Studio, on the third floor of the Main Library, which has open studio hours throughout the week. Kids are welcome to visit with an adult and make something! How about making a button or vinyl sticker? Submit a 3D print or get help making a laser cut creation! You can even record and edit music and podcasts in the Creative Studio‘s Audio Booth.
- Participate in a craft program at the library, such as Craft Corner, an intergenerational program where participants can get creative. Make collage cards, a spooky jar, or decorative snowflakes. Check out our calendar to find creative programming for kids and families throughout the year.
5. Connect more
Connect, learn, and have fun with others at programs offered throughout the week.
Programs & events
And while we encourage library cards for all, you don’t need a library card to register for our programs. We want everyone to be able to participate.
- Storytimes all week for different age groups
- Stay & Play
- Pokémon Clubs
- Pride Club
- Read to a Dog
- Tech Nights
- Plus concerts and special events throughout the year!
Spaces to play & connect
Amid all the events and programming you can participate in, we offer spaces for everyone to come together—for unstructured play, to meet other kids and caregivers, and to simply get out of the house.
- Get a preview: Visiting the Main Library Children’s Services Area
- Find children’s play spaces at the Dole and Maze branches too.
Hope to see you at the library this fall!