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. No fee charged for a resident's first library card; if a card is lost or stolen, a replacement card will be issued for $2.

All adults requesting a library card must present a driver’s license or State I.D. plus 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.)

MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

Applicants under the age of 18 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. Applicants must be a minimum of 5 years old.

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 $150) 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 mintues 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 18 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?

There is a $2.00 charge for getting a replacement library card. 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?

Note: The following checkout periods apply to items owned by Park Forest Public Library only. Items borrowed from other libraries via Inter-Library Loans (i.e. placing holds) may have different checkout periods.

 

Item Type Late Fines
Books 3 weeks
Books on CD 3 weeks
DVDs 3 weeks
Playaways 3 weeks
   
   
   
   

 

What are the late fines for library materials?
Item Type Late Fines
Books FINE FREE
Books on CD FINE FREE
DVDs FINE FREE
Playaways FINE FREE
   
   
   
   

 

How can I renew library materials that I currently have checked out?

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 (your PIN will be the last four digits of the phone number associated with your library card, unlesss you have changed your PIN in the past).

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)