Oak Park is home to a library for everyone. Every Oak Park resident and Oak Park-based educator, daycare provider, and business owner can get a card with complete access to public library services and resources.
Complete access (library card)
Whether signing up for the first time or converting a digital-only account, here’s what to do:
- Contact us now or visit any Oak Park library location.
- Share your photo ID and proof of your Oak Park residency or employment (see below).
- Receive your new card on the spot. Or, if you prefer, we will mail a card to your Oak Park address via the United States Postal Service.
I have my card. Now what?
- Learn about loan periods, limits, renewals, fees (and no late fines!) »
- Get your account number emailed to you »
- Reset your PIN »
- Browse frequently asked account and card questions »
- New to Oak Park? Find out more about where you live »
More about photo IDs & proof of Oak Park residency or employment
Oak Park residents of all ages
- Age 18 years or older: You’ll need a current photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport) and proof of Oak Park residency (utility bill or recently postmarked mail). These cards never expire.
- Younger than age 18: Babies, toddlers and kids can get a card when a parent or guardian present a current photo ID and proof of Oak Park residency. These cards never expire.
Oak Park educators: all Oak Park schools, daycares, teachers, teaching assistants, and school and daycare staff are eligible
- More about instant accounts vs. full benefits with a card: Oak Park educators can apply for instant digital access using their school/work address, and their school/work email to register. However, digital accounts don’t give immediate access to physical material (holds or checkouts).
- So the best option for an educator needing access to all resource types (digital and physical) is to register for an educator card, the quickest way being to visit the library with a photo ID and proof of employment (such as a school ID). Once registered for an educator card, they can also call 708.383.8200 to renew each year.
Oak Park business owners, nonprofits & employees
- Owners can apply with a lease or a tax bill and a current photo ID. Employees can provide current proof of employment and contact information for the business or nonprofit owner (who will be responsible for any fees or lost materials). These cards have a one-year expiration from issue date but may be renewed. Call 708.383.8200 to renew.
Not an Oak Park resident, educator, or business owner? Libraries are for everyone!
Contact us now to ask us anything about using the public library. For example:
- You may already have borrowing privileges through your home library. View a list of SWAN libraries »
- Have a temporary address? We will work with you to ensure access to public library services and resources.
- Based on Illinois administrative code, a non-resident card could be purchased for an annual fee of $431.05. To be eligible, however, you must live in an unincorporated area of Illinois and apply at the nearest public library. More: 23 Ill. Adm. Code 3050.10.
