How do I get a Library Card?
Adult Residents
Any resident or owner of taxable property in Park Forest or Olympia Fields is welcome to obtain a library card. This card will entitle the resident to use the services of this library and all other SWAN member libraries. Application must be made in person. A picture will be taken and be printed onto the card.
All residents 16 and up requesting a library card must present a driver’s license or State I.D. If the I.D. does not show the current address, you will also need to provide one proof of residence, which may consist of any of the following original documents with a postmark no more than 30 days old and showing the current address:
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Pay Stub
- Federal/state government check
- Automobile insurance card with address
- Medical or insurance bill
- Voter's Registration
- Vehicle Registration (Within 30 days)
- Government Mail (IRS, DMV, etc.)
Residents under the Age of 16
Applicants under the age of 16 must be with a parent or legal guardian to receive a library card. The application must be signed by that same parent or legal guardian.
Non-Residents
In Illinois, people living outside the taxing area of a public library are considered non-residents. Non-residents are eligible to purchase a library card (for $120) from the public library under certain conditions. Contact the library to determine whether you are a non-resident eligible to purchase a library card from the Park Forest Public Library.
Note: Library Cards will not be issued 30 minutes before closing.
How do I renew my library card?
Library cards must be renewed in person at the library. Please bring the following items with you to renew your library card:
- Current Driver's License or State ID.
- If your address has changed, you must provide a proof of residencey (utility bill, insurance letter, etc. dated within the past 30 days).
- If you are under 16 years of age, a parent of a guardian must be present to renew the library card.
Note: Library Cards will not be issued 30 minutes before closing.
I lost my library card, how can I get a new one?
A current driver's license or state ID is required to get a new library card.
Note: Library Cards will not be issued 30 minutes before closing.
What is the checkout period for library materials?
All Park Forest Public Library materials circulate for 3 weeks. Items borrowed from other libraries via Inter-Library Loans (i.e. placing holds) may have different checkout periods.
What are the late fines for library materials?
The Park Forest Public Library is fine-free. You will not be fined for returning Park Forest materials late. Other libraries may charge late fees for their materials. If you do not return an item, you will be billed for it.
How can I renew library materials that I currently have checked out?
The SWAN catalog automatically renews materials up to 2 times if no one has placed a hold on the item.
If you wish to renew early, library materials can be renewed in person at the Patron Services desk or online on the Library Catalog Website under "My Account." A patron can access their account by providing the Library Card number and PIN.
The catalog website may block patrons from renewing items if the items they are trying to renew have active holds or if the patron has reached the renewal limit for that specific item.
Printing and photocopying costs $0.10 per page for Black & White prints and $0.50 per page for color prints.
Faxing cost $1.00 per page.
Note: The library only offers outgoing faxing service. We do not receive faxes at the library.
MUST HAVE EXACT CHANGE(NO CHANGE WILL BE GIVEN)
Does the library have a mobile app?
The SWAN Libraries + app lets you store your library card, manage your account, and find books, movies, and more from your phone or tablet. It is free and available to anyone with a library card for iOS and Android. If you had the previous version of the SWAN Libraries app, please delete, and download the new SWAN Libraries + app. The old app is no longer operational.
How do I use a study room?
To book an appointment please call 708-748-3731 ext. 224 or stop at the Info Zone desk.
Study rooms may be booked for up to two hours per day.
No food is allowed.
The study rooms shall not be used by any group or individual for the following types of functions:
(1) Commercial ventures: A commercial venture is defined as an activity whose purpose is to promote or cause the sale of property, services, or merchandise for monetary gain or to raise funds. This includes commercially sponsored investment seminars, estate planning seminars, etc.
(2) Purely social functions: A purely social function is one designed for entertainment through companionship with friends and associates.
(3) Any activity which would interfere with proper functions of the library, such as those involving noise, a safety hazard, or a security risk.
How do I use the Conference Room?
To book an appointment please call 708-748-3731 ext. 224 or stop at the Information Zone desk.
The Conference Room may be booked for up to two hours per day.
No food is allowed.
The Conference Room shall not be used by any group or individual for the following types of functions:
(1) Commercial ventures: A commercial venture is defined as an activity whose purpose is to promote or cause the sale of property, services, or merchandise for monetary gain or to raise funds. This includes commercially sponsored investment seminars, estate planning seminars, etc.
(2) Purely social functions: A purely social function is one designed for entertainment through companionship with friends and associates.
(3) Any activity which would interfere with proper functions of the library, such as those involving noise, a safety hazard, or a security risk.
How do I use the Ringering Room?
To book an appointment please call 708-748-3731 ext. 224 or stop at the Information Zone desk.
The Ringering Room may be booked for up to two hours per day.
No food is allowed.
The room shall not be used by any group or individual for the following types of functions:
(1) Commercial ventures: A commercial venture is defined as an activity whose purpose is to promote or cause the sale of property, services, or merchandise for monetary gain or to raise funds. This includes commercially sponsored investment seminars, estate planning seminars, etc.
(2) Purely social functions: A purely social function is one designed for entertainment through companionship with friends and associates.
(3) Any activity which would interfere with proper functions of the library, such as those involving noise, a safety hazard, or a security risk.
What holidays does the library observe?
The library is closed for the following holidays:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
What are the library's hours?
The library is open the following hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The drive-up window is open the same hours that the library is open.
How do I sign up for the library's newsletter?
You can sign up to receive a monthly digital newsletter in your email. Learn about upcoming events and new services at the library.