Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Schools encourage all students to get a library card this fall—especially students entering preK, kindergarten and ninth grade. A library card is a vital tool for school success.
With your library card, you can check out books, DVDs and more. You can use online resources to complete school assignments and get online tutoring through Brainfuse.
Teachers of all grade levels, contact your local children's librarian to request applications for your students and to receive details on the registration process. Applications are accepted from September 7 to November 1.
Parents and caregivers, we welcome children of any age to apply for a library card. Kids who are not yet in school, please visit any CPL location to get a library card.
Get a Library Card FAQs
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Please visit any CPL location to fill out a library card application. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and Chicago address, such as any Illinois state-issued identification. You can choose the name you want to use on your library card registration.
If you don’t have a photo ID with your name and 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, or other service provider billing statements
- 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.
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Yes, Chicago residents who only want to use CPL’s online services and have never had a Chicago Public Library card may apply for an eCard.
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Children under 14 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.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
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If you are 14 or older, you may show your current, valid student ID from a Chicago high school as one form of ID when getting a library card. You'll need to show another piece of ID that includes your home address.
Library cards for teens 14 to 17 have the same privileges as library cards for adults, except that teens under 18 cannot check out Digital Museum Passes.
Chicago students can also visit any CPL location and request an 81 Club student card.
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Yes, you’re 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, photo and address, as well as your current City of Chicago property tax bill.
