Library registration requires completion of an application form and verification of address. Free library cards are available to residents or individual property tax payers of the West Chicago Public Library.
- Adults (age 18 and over) must register in person and provide proof of residence within the Library District.
- Children (under the age of 18) receive library cards when registered in person by parent or guardian who provides proof of residence within the Library District.
- The parent or guardian assumes responsibility for all charges incurred through use of their child’s card, as well as the content of material the child checks out.
- All patron information, including titles of items checked out or on reserve, is confidential and will only be released to the persons named on the card or to the person who assumed responsibility for the minor.
Documents Considered Proof of Residence
Two pieces of identification imprinted with the individual’s name and current street address to verify residency, as well as one piece of identification with the individual’s name and photo to verify identity. All documents used as identification must contain the individual’s name.
Examples of acceptable identification proving residency (2 such documents from this list):
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Consulate ID
- Current property tax bill
- Mortgage or lease documents
- Certificate of Occupancy from the City of West Chicago
- Current month utility bill (telephone, gas, electric, water, waste disposal)
- Current month credit card, insurance, cable television or medical billing statement
- Current bank statement, personal check, or pay check showing name and address
Examples of acceptable identification proving identity (1 such document from this list):
- Driver’s license or state ID
- Military ID
- Consulate ID
- Passport
- Naturalization Certificate
Resident cards are automatically renewed every 3 years
Business Library Cards are available to any business within the Library District. An application for a business card is available at the circulation desk and must be completed by an authorized agent of the business presenting current documentation (dated within the last year) such as a business license, property tax bill, or utility bill by the owner or manager of the business. Current documents must show the name and address of the business. Business Library cards are valid for a period of one year.
Non-residents of the Library District will be issued Library cards upon payment of a yearly fee based on a tax-method formula. The non-resident’s renter’s annual fee is based on a percentage of monthly rent.
If you have a valid card from another Illinois public library, you may register as a Reciprocal Borrower by presenting your library card and photo ID.