Residents of incorporated Des Plaines may be issued a free library card. This card is good for a period of 3 years.
To receive a card, you must present photo identification and proof of legal residence in the City of Des Plaines. A driver's license, utility bill, or voter's registration card are examples. Registration can only be done at the library or mobile library.
Patrons through 8th grade must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian who must show proof of residence and identity and sign the application form.
Non-residents
Individuals and families living in an area that is not taxed for public library service may purchase a library card and use it at any participating public library. The non-resident fee at the Des Plaines Public Library is $290.00 for one year. This card will be honored at all participating libraries for one year.
Non-residents must purchase their cards at the public library that is within their high school district.
Rosemont residents who live north of Devon Avenue must purchase their cards at the Des Plaines Public Library. Rosemont residents pay 25% or $72.50 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 847-678-0433.
Note: Residents of most Illinois communities can use their local library cards at Des Plaines, with very few exceptions or restrictions. Call the library at 847-827-5551 to check your eligibility.
A company library card is available to all businesses located within incorporated Des Plaines. It is good only at the Des Plaines Public Library for a period of one year.
If you have any questions about the privileges granted with a company library card, please call the registration desk at 847-376-2787.
Loan Periods
Following are loan periods and circulation information for materials from Des Plaines Public Library.
Item
Loan Period
Fines
Books
28 days
0.15/day
New Books
14 days
0.15/day
Audiobooks
28 days
0.15/day
Periodicals
14 days
0.15/day
Closed Captioned TV
56 days
delivered and picked-up
by library personnel
Closed Captioned Decoders
56 days
Compact Discs
14 days
0.15/day
CD-ROM Software/Videogames
14 days
0.15/day
DVDs
7 days
$1.00/day
Quick Picks
7 days
0.15/day
Original Art
56 days
0.15/day
With few exceptions, materials may be borrowed for a longer period if requested at the time of checkout. All materials are renewable once unless they are reserved by another person. Materials may be renewed by telephone or through the library Web site by accessing the catalog and clicking on "My Account".
Patrons may request a vacation loan period for any item except new books, DVDs, or items on reserve for other patrons. The vacation loan period may be no longer than double the original loan period plus seven days.