Library Cards FAQs

  • General Questions

    Visit a library location and show proof of residency.

    The simplest method is to provide a current government-issued photo ID with your home address. Alternatively, students aged 14 and up can use a school-issued ID from an Evanston educational institution.

    If the address on your ID is outdated, you’ll need to show one of the following:

    • Current property tax bill
    • Current utility bill
    • Lease or renter’s agreement
    • Recent account statement (bank, credit card, phone, etc.)
    • The bill or account statement must be dated within the last 60 days.

    View Library and Accounts Policy

    All applicants for the renewal of a library card will be required to meet the same identification requirements as a new applicant. Follow the directions to the left to renew your card.

    ETHS students: A valid ETHS student ID may be used as proof of Identity and residency for students 14-18 in order to obtain a library card.

    Youth under 14: Individuals under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian sign an application form, or must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can supply acceptable adult identification.

    No, individuals residing in ZIP code area 60203 are required to apply for a library card at the Skokie Public Library, opens a new window. You can then register and use your Skokie card at the Evanston Public Library. In addition to presenting a currently valid library card, the applicant must present one form of picture identification and  current address such as a lease, bill or statement with the applicant’s current address within the last 60 days.

    Yes! Bring valid picture identification and a letter from a local organization indicating you are their client. Cards are valid for three years.

    If your library card is damaged or lost, a replacement card will be issued when you provide one form of identification. The original library card will be invalidated.

    If your card is lost or stolen, let us know immediately

    In cases of unauthorized use of a lost or stolen card, the cardholder will be responsible for all costs and charges including charges for collection agency referral.

    Resident cards are valid as long as the cardholder lives in Evanston and keeps their address up-to-date if they move within Evanston. University students are issued a library card with a one-year expiration date.

    In most cases, yes! The Evanston Public Library offers the following library cards and lending privileges: 

    • Non-Resident “Fee” Cards for those who live outside of Evanston who wish to purchase privileges at the Evanston Public Library.
    • Non-resident Taxpayer Cards for non-residents who own taxable property in the city of Evanston.
    • Business Cards for any Business entity, profit or nonprofit, that owns or rents property in the city of Evanston.
    • Organizational Cards for any organizations or units of local government located in the city of Evanston.
    • School Cards for students at schools located in the city of Evanston
    • Books on Wheels  for residents in need of homebound delivery service

    The Library also offers reciprocal borrowing to patrons with library cards from other Illinois libraries. The Evanston Public Library will register for use any currently valid library card from a Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) or from any library having reciprocal borrowing agreements with RAILS or with the Evanston Public Library. In addition to presenting a currently valid library card, the applicant must present one form of picture identification with the current address.

    All Reciprocal Borrowers who register their cards with the Evanston Public Library will be given the same expiration date as the one on their home Library account.  Please note that Reciprocal Borrowers do not have access to electronic resources due to restrictions required by vendors.

     

    Evanston Public Library cards are free of charge to all Evanston residents living in zip codes 60201, 60202, and 60208. Physical and digital library cards have the same residency requirements. 

  • Fines & Fees

    You will only be charged overdue fines for materials borrowed from other libraries. These fees are set by the lending library.

    All materials owned by the Evanston Public Library are fine free.